The Wandsworth Schools Forum met on Monday 15 January 2024 to discuss the 2024-25 school funding allocations, de-delegation of budgets, and the Nursery Inclusion Project for All (NIPA). Key decisions included agreeing the local funding formula rates and school budgets for the upcoming academic year, approving an increase in de-delegation rates for maintained schools, and agreeing to continue and revise the NIPA project with a new commissioning model.

2024-25 Schools Block Funding

The Schools Forum discussed the 2024-25 Schools Block Funding, noting a decrease of 0.7% (£1.3m) compared to the previous year, primarily due to falling pupil numbers. Gareth Evans, Head of Schools Finance, explained that while the per-pupil funding rates had increased, these were below inflation and insufficient to offset the decline in student numbers. This situation means that 59% of primary and 45% of secondary schools in Wandsworth will see a reduction in their funding for the 2024-25 academic year. The average reduction is estimated at £61,000 for primary schools and £345,000 for secondary schools. The Forum agreed to the local funding formula rates, exceptional funding factors, and school budgets as presented in the report.

De-delegation and Education Functions Budget

The Forum agreed to an increase in de-delegation rates for maintained primary and secondary schools. Gareth Evans explained that due to falling pupil numbers, the per-child contribution to centrally retained services would need to increase to cover existing functions. Three de-delegation lines – School Improvement, Support to Ethnic Minorities and Bilingual Learners, and Contingency – will see a 1.4% increase. A more significant increase is proposed for the Maternity Leave/Staff Suspension/Trade Union Duties cover, as this scheme has been operating at a loss, depleting reserves. Without this increase, the scheme would not be financially sustainable. The Forum also agreed to the final Education Function funding allocations, which include a proposed increase to maintain the redundancy reserve, with the Local Authority General Fund contributing £200,000 annually. This decision was supported by 6 votes to 1.

2024-25 Growth Fund Criteria

The Growth Fund, which supports new and growing schools and Year 11 late arrivals with English as an additional language (EAL), will see no proposed changes to its criteria or funding for 2024-25. Gareth Evans confirmed that £400,000 would be allocated to the fund. The criteria for expanding schools and bulge classes remain the same, with specific conditions for secondary school expansions. The report highlighted the unique situation of Brandlehow Primary School, which will not require Growth Fund support in 2024-25 but will in subsequent years. The Forum agreed to the growth fund allocation and its criteria.

2024-25 Split Sites Criteria

The Forum noted the changes to the Split Sites Funding, which will become a compulsory factor in the National Funding Formula from 2024-25. Gareth Evans explained that the criteria for schools to attract this funding remain largely the same, with Belleville and Gatton Primary Schools being the two eligible schools in Wandsworth. The new allocation model includes a basic eligibility payment and additional distance funding for sites separated by more than 100 metres. This will result in higher payments for the eligible schools compared to previous years.

Central Schools Services Block

The Forum agreed to the proposals for the Central Schools Services Block (CSSB) for FY 2024-25. Abhay Gupta, Finance Business Partner, reported that Wandsworth had successfully requested a disapplication for the annual 20% reduction in historical funding for the CSSB, as actual commitment costs were higher than proposed. This means the CSSB funding for 2024-25 will remain at £2.635m. The funding covers historic commitments and ongoing responsibilities such as school admissions, Schools Forum administration, and copyright licensing.

Nursery Inclusion Project for All (NIPA) Report

The Lead Early Years Inclusion Advisor, Monika Hammel-Lobo, presented the findings of the NIPA Review. The Forum was recommended to note the review's findings, approve the continuation of the project based on a revised model, and agree to a change in the annual NIPA Participation Grant to £1,000 per partner per term, removing the previous £500 per child per term model. A commitment of up to £324,000 per annum was proposed to commission providers for a 3-year period with a 1-year extension option. The revised model aims to create efficiencies, strengthen the universal offer, and refine the selection criteria for NIPA partners, focusing on notional SEN ranking, historical SENIF requests, and partner capacity. The Forum agreed to the report's proposals, with an amendment to review the commissioning contract period for yoga and parent support elements to allow for greater flexibility.

Forward Plan and Future Meeting Dates

The Forum noted the remaining meeting dates for the 2023-2024 academic year: Monday 11th March 2024, Monday 13th May 2024, and Monday 1st July 2024.