The Schools Forum of Lewisham Council was scheduled to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2024/25 academic year, covering the overall funding settlement, the schools block, the early years block, and the high needs block. The forum was also due to consider revisions to its own membership.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) 2024/25 - Funding Settlement

The first of four reports was scheduled to provide the Schools Forum with details of the overall Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding settlement for the 2024/25 academic year, along with any updates on other grants. The DSG is a ring-fenced grant from the Department for Education (DfE) that funds schools and local authorities for education services.

Dedicated Schools Grant 2024/25 - Schools Block Submission of the Authority Proforma Tool (APT)

This report, the second of four, was intended to allow the Schools Forum to consider options for finalising the Authority Proforma Tool (APT) submission to the DfE, which was due on 22 January 2024. The APT is a crucial document used to calculate and allocate school funding. The agenda also indicated that the Schools Forum would need to consider and agree the levels of de-delegation for the 2024/25 academic year. De-delegation refers to the process where local authorities can retain a portion of the DSG funding for specific services, subject to agreement by the Schools Forum.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) 2024/25 - Early Years Block

The third report was scheduled to detail the funding associated with the delivery of the Early Years Agenda. This agenda is currently being extended in line with policy changes from the DfE. A verbal update from the Head of Early Years was also expected, focusing on the implementation and support of national policy in this area.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) 2024/25 - High Needs Block

The fourth and final report was set to focus on the High Needs Block of the DSG. This section of the grant is allocated to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The report was expected to provide details on the funding for this block, alongside supporting data on SEND needs. A presentation was also scheduled, which would include feedback from the High Needs Working group, including the DBV submission.

Revision of Membership of Schools Forum

The agenda indicated that the Schools Forum was scheduled to consider a revision of its membership. This change arises from the recasting of the forum following the academisation of six schools. The action for representatives was to agree nominations for the revised membership.