Modern.gov Breadcrumb
- Agenda item
Modern.gov Content
Agenda item
Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) 2020/21
Presented By:GB
Minutes:
GB introduced the report and drew attention to the following:
- The Education and Skills Funding Agency (EFSA) had released the actual allocations on 19 December and the funding levels under Block movements were now based on actual figures rather than the estimates provided at the previous meeting;
- Schools were consulted on the funding formula after the last meeting of Schools Forum and consultation responses were included in Appendix 1 of the report. The response rate was 25% of schools, which was low, but of those that responded there was support for an option using NFF values and 0.5% MFG;
- the final allocations from Government were contained in Table 1 of the report;
- due to the change in pupil numbers generated by the October census, there had been a small reduction in the allocation for Bristol Primary Schools and an increase for Secondary Schools;
- Central Services Block: the funding for historic commitments had been reduced by 20% leaving £0.333m for Prudential borrowing which had ended for Bristol in 17/18 and so it was proposed to transfer this amount to the High Needs Block;
- High Needs Block: this was the largest percentage increase in funding and would take the funding to the level of the current years projected spend but would not allow the advance funding from 19/20 to be repaid in 20/21. This would not affect future funding;
- In relation to Education Transformation Programme funding agreed at the previous meeting, the details of how this would be spent would be set out following the approval of the Written Statement of Action;
- Schools Block: this would be covered in the next item, set out below;
- Early Years: there had been a small change with the rate for 2 year olds increased by 8p and it was proposed that the whole rate be passed to providers.
In seeking clarification in relation to the figures relating to School Admissions, Members asked that the information be presented in a consistent manner year on year to allow comparisons to be made.
Forum Members raised the following comments:
- It was disappointing that only 25% of schools responded to the consultation and was difficult to believe that Heads were apathetic in relation to school funding. Further thought may be needed about how to engage Heads and ensure they were aware of the importance of the consultation;
- There should be some feedback to schools who did respond and this may also encourage the engagement of schools with the Forum;
- Concern was expressed about the continuing pressure on the High Needs Budget, especially in view of the outcome of the Ofsted Inspection and questions were asked about how the provision could be improved without an increase in funding. AH responded that the process of the Written Statement of Action would allow an evaluation of the SEND landscape of the city and the expectations of schools and settings;
- Councils were running out of options to fund SEND, there was less opportunity to transfer between the different blocks and the DfE had consulted on prohibiting the use of general fund money to fund gaps in the DSG which would mean even less flexibility;
- It was noted that some Local Authorities had sought to disapply the minimum funding to release more funding for High Needs but there had been no response from Government in response to the disapplication;
- As agreed at the previous meeting, the transfer between blocks should be subject to further information being presented to Forum on how the funding will be spent in the High Needs Block, including milestones and evidence of impact;
- Different figures were quoted for the cost of the School Admissions service. This should be avoided in future reports.
In considering the recommendations, it was;
RESOLVED – that
(1) The 2020/21funding levels be noted;
(2) The consultation responses be noted and a response be prepared to schools who had responded to the consultation;
(3) The final transfers between blocks be approved as follows, subject to a further information being presented to Forum on how the funding will be spent including milestones and evidence of impact:
(a) A transfer of 0.5% (£1.369m) from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block (the maximum now allowed by ESFA rules);
(b) A transfer o. £0.333m from the Central School Services Block to the High Needs Block;
(4) The DSG net deficit carry forward from 2019/20 be noted;
(5) Bristol City Council be informed of the following views of Schools Forum for consideration in making final decisions on the Schools Budget for 2020/21 by Cabinet/Council:
(a) Schools Forum requests that information is provided on how resources transferred to the High Needs Block are being used effectively including milestones and evidence of impact;
(b) the scale of the High Needs deficit needs to be taken into account in the Written Statement of Action and associated SEND action plan;
(c) SEND planning work needs to be joined up across BCC departments and organisational boundaries.
(6) Central School Services Block allocations be agreed as follows:
a. LA Core Functions £0.978m;
b. School Admissions £0.494m
c. Schools Forum £0.023m
d. Combined Services £0.599m
Supporting documents: