Agenda item

This report sets out the outcome of applying the 2025-26 National Funding Formula (NFF) to the October 2024 schools census data and options for the local mainstream schools funding formula linked to the final decision regarding a transfer of funding to high needs. It also sets out the 2025-26 growth fund budget for approval.

The Assistant Chief Financial Officer presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The Schools Forum would be consulted on the local mainstream school funding formula and was requested to make recommendations to Council to cover the differing levels of funding transfer that could be finally agreed as decisions from the DfE remain outstanding. The report sets out the outcome of applying the 2025-26 National Funding Formula (NFF) to the October 2024 schools census data and options for the local mainstream schools funding formula linked to the final decision regarding a transfer of funding to high needs. It also sets out the 2025-26 growth fund budget for approval.

BCP Council confirmed to the Forum that they would seek a transfer of 1% from the DfE, even if the Schools Forum were not in agreement.

The Schools Forum was informed that BCP Council had not consulted all schools prior to making the decision, as required by the Schools Operating Guide. However, they confirmed that extensive consultation had taken place regarding the innovation fund. It was noted that information from the DfE was received too late for effective consultation with all schools this year if the DfE timetable was to be met. However, consultation could still be done, and the Schools Forum reconvened if considered necessary. The Inclusion Fund and the Forum papers from previous meetings had been shared with the DfE. The funding transfer would be used for the innovation fund and not set against the deficit.

All Members:

1.    RESOLVED that a transfer of £1.1m, being surplus school block funding, be supported as a transfer to support expenditure on high needs pupils in the light of the December settlement for 2025-26 and outcome of the national funding formula (NFF) for mainstream schools.

Voting: 11 in favour; 0 against; 3 abstentions

The following options were also considered and rejected by the Schools Forum:

a.    Transfer 0.5% with NFF allocations to be reduced by 0.11% being the maximum the Schools Forum alone can agree

Voting: 11 against; 0 in favour; 3 abstentions

b.      Transfer 1.0% with NFF allocations to be reduced by 0.61% being the amount needed to fully fund the proposed innovation fund and requiring approval of the DfE.

 Voting: 11 against; 0 in favour; 3 abstentions

School Members:

2.  RESOLVED that the growth fund budget requirement of £150,000 as set out in paragraph 17 of the report be agreed.

Voting: Unanimous

3.    RESOLVED that the Forum recommend to Council the following preferred options for the local mainstream formula for each level of transfer which could be finally agreed as set out in paragraph 29 of the report: 

• Option 2a (all schools contributing) in regard to a 0.5% transfer.

Voting: 7 in favour; 3 against; 3 abstentions

• Option 3a (all schools contributing) in regards to a 1% transfer

Voting: 6 in favour; 4 against; 3 abstentions

Options 2b (Excluding MPPFL only), 3b (Excluding MPPFL MFG at minimum) and 3c (Excluding MPPFL MFG at minimum Capping gains) were also considered and rejected by the Schools Forum.

The Forum requested to be informed about the outcomes of each request and to be advised on what had been agreed upon. Members of the Schools Forum expressed their respect for the democratic process of the Forum, however, they stated that they did not believe it was morally sound to top-slice funding from schools that were already receiving the minimum per pupil funding.

The Chair informed the Forum about two vacancies for primary school members and urged members to suggest any suitable candidates to fill those positions.