Agenda item

AL introduced the report which gave an overview of the DSG for 2023/24 and sought ratification on the block allocations agreed in principle at the last meeting.  The following points were highlighted:

1. With reference to Table 1, and the latest DSG allocation announced on 16 December 2022 of £453.226m, information within the report highlighted that the allocation did not include the Bristol indicative allocation of the Mainstream Schools Additional Grant detail of £10,749m.
2. The Central Services Block funding would be reduced by 20% (£0.119m).
3. The High Needs Block forecast spending levels in 2022/23 indicated increased allocation but did not cover current year forecast shortfalls and would not provide additional funding for historic deficits.  Mitigation proposals in draft form were being developed with Delivering Best Value (DBV) partners and the benefits had not been reflected in the forecast.
4. The 0.5% agreed in principle with the Forum would be transferred from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block when ratified.  This funding would be ringfenced for supporting transformation activities.
5. The Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government (DHCLG) had agreed a three year extension of the ‘Statutory Override’ to 2026, to allow High Needs mitigations / transformations to be implemented.
6. The hourly rates within Early Years had been increased (3-4yrs by 6p to £5.75 per hour, 2 year olds by 9p to £5.89 per hour) which was proposed passed on in full.  This would however represent a real time reduction in funding for both year groups when compared to cost of living pressures.  Consultation responses had been taken into consideration. 

Following questions in response to the presentation, the forum was advised:

1.      The 1% reduction in pupils from October 2021 to October 2022 was noted and would be monitored in terms of sufficiency.

2.      The additional funding was noted, and specifically that it would not be applied to the ongoing deficit.

3.      The additional grant for this year would in future be amalgamated into the National Funding Formula (NFF).  The ‘Supplementary Grant’ issued would be rolled into the 24/25 funding rates.

4.      Guidance had been received regarding allocations to Special PRU and LPs and the allocation had been reflected in the formula.

DM confirmed that the additional allocation was welcomed, however with the increased need and volume of pupils with an EHCP it was acknowledged the position did not necessary change.  It had been assumed that the DfE allocation was not a ‘one off’ and it would be the baseline going forward.  Officers would continue to build on a refreshed model and deficit management plan for the future working with the various settings.  Clarification was still awaited from Government regarding the impact of energy costs.

The following points were raised during discussion:

1.      Although Early Years increases would be passed on in full, consultation responses highlighted that the increase was not enough and that it did not cover real-life increases in costs.  SL requested future reports include written responses where they provide context to consultation responses.

2.      The need for integrated working with healthcare and broad intervention work across the early years sector was highlighted.  Roles that historically would have been held by social care now falling to the Early Years sector. 

3.      It was suggested that the nursery closures countrywide (4000 in the last year) and the impact of the rise in the living wage compared to the 6pm increase would lead to more closures.  The concern of the impact on recruitment and retention and the ability to meet minimum salary levels was flagged and noted.

Officers confirmed that the Transformation Programme was part of the strategic conversations about collaboration across Children’s Services and would return as an action to a future meeting.  It was important to ensure that Early Years was included within the consideration of Early Intervention and preventative work of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) including how innovation and technology could be utilised.  It was suggested that this could be considered further within the Early Years Sub Group prior to returning to a Forum meeting and would be added to the work programme as appropriate.

It was confirmed that voting on this item was applicable to schools members, academies members and PVI representatives.

It was AGREED that Schools Forum:

a)      Noted the 2023/24 funding levels

b)      Approved the final transfers between blocks

c)      Approved the EYNFF

d)      Provided feedback to Cabinet and Council for consideration in making final decisions on the Schools Budget for 2023/24

e)      Agreed Central School Services Block allocations

LA Core Functions £1.171m (as per Appendix 1)

School Admissions £0.575m

Schools Forum £0.023m

Combined Services £0.477m (as per Appendix 2)

AL introduced the next report which sought agreement of the Schools Forum on the final application of the funding formula for mainstream schools and academies for 2023/24, prior to final decision by Cabinet and submission of the Authority Proforma Tool (APT) to the Education and Skills Funding Agency.  The proposals were based on the November agreement of the Schools Forum and consultation outcomes of the sector and outlined within the report.  Following the presentation of the report and with reference to discussions at the previous meeting, the Forum moved to vote on the recommendations.

The Schools Forum:

(a)   Approved the proposed arrangements for the 2023/24 mainstream funding formula, including the amount set aside for the Growth Fund

(b)   Consider feedback to Cabinet for their consideration in making final decisions on the Schools Budget for 2023/24

The Schools Forum considered the feedback to be provided to Cabinet and Full Council prior to decisions to be made on the budget.  The following points were highlighted:

• Whilst additional funding was welcomed in the new financial year, The Schools Forum noted the substantial ongoing cost pressures in the Early Years sector and significant challenges of High Needs which was of continued concern.
• The falling rolls within primary schools and future sufficiency of places was also of continued concern.
• With reference to the Schools Block – it was noted that the continued move towards hard National Funding Formulae (NFF) meant deviation from local priority factors such as AEN factors.  The BSF continued to consider pupils with additional needs and any funding left over would specifically support those pupils.