The Schools Forum met on Thursday 11 January 2024 to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) forecast outturn for 2023-24, the budget proposals for 2024-25, and the use of DSG reserves. Key decisions included the approval of the 2024-25 budget, the allocation of DSG reserves for supporting movers in and urgent repairs, and the approval of de-delegation rates for 2024-25.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Forecast Outturn 2023-24

The Forum received an update on the 2023-24 DSG Forecast Outturn at month 9. The report indicated a favourable variance of £1.823m against the budget of £265.806m. This positive variance was attributed to underspends in the Schools Block, specifically within the Individual Schools Budget and the Growth Fund. The Forum noted the figures presented in Table 1 of the report.

2024-25 Budget Proposal

The Forum discussed the proposed budget for 2024-25, which outlines how Barnet is funded through the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The report detailed the analysis of each of the four blocks that make up the DSG: Schools Block, Early Years Block, High Needs Block, and Central School Services Block. The Forum noted the overall DSG budget allocation for 2024-25, which is £458.6m, an increase of approximately £32m (7.6%) from the previous year. The Forum agreed the 2024-25 formula factor rates used in the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) Authority Proforma Tool submission, as well as the Growth Fund criteria and amount. The Early Years funding rates for 2024-25 were also noted.

Central School Services Block (CSSB) 2024-25

An update was provided on the 2024-25 Central School Services Block (CSSB). The final CSSB for 2024-25 has increased by £0.117m to £2.486m compared to 2023-24. This block covers historic commitments and ongoing responsibilities, such as admissions and appeals, Schools Forum administration, and copyright licensing. The Forum approved the updated figures for the expenditure lines that comprise the final 2024-25 budget for the CSSB.

De-Delegation 2024-25

The Forum reviewed the 2024-25 de-delegation rates, which were based on the October 2023 census data. The report indicated an additional recuperation of approximately £17k compared to the previous year, primarily affecting primary schools due to falling pupil numbers. The Forum approved the updated de-delegation rates for 2024-25, ensuring the continuation of current support levels for maintained schools. Neil Marlow undertook to investigate future options for service reduction in line with falling rolls and benchmark against other local authorities.

Proposed Use of DSG Reserves

The Forum considered proposals for the use of DSG Reserves. Two key areas were discussed:

1. Movers in Support: The existing criteria for using DSG reserves to support children arriving from Hong Kong, Ukraine, and due to conflicts in Israel and Gaza were proposed for expansion. This expansion would allow for funding of SEND support for these children, including EHCP assessments and interim support, utilising an anticipated £400k balance from the originally agreed amount. The Forum agreed to expand the existing criteria to support schools admitting movers in with high levels of SEND.
2. Urgent Exceptional Repairs: A proposal was put forward to earmark £200k per year for three years to allow schools to bid for funding for urgent exceptional repairs to school buildings, provided they meet specific criteria. The Forum agreed to the use of DSG Reserves for urgent exceptional repairs according to the outlined criteria.

High Needs Block (HNB) Review Update

An update was provided on the High Needs Block (HNB) review. The Forum was reminded of the review's recommendation to explore alternatives to funding exceptional high needs without recourse to an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The next steps involve seconding a project lead to a task and finish group to explore these alternatives. Members were encouraged to promote this secondment opportunity within their schools. The Chair highlighted the potential benefits of increased flexibility in funding use and reduced administrative costs. Karen Flanagan confirmed that the cost of recruiting a full-time HNB project lead would not be covered by the Forum.

Other Business

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Tuesday 19 March 2024 at 4pm.