The Schools Forum of Hammersmith & Fulham Council met on Tuesday 2 July 2024 to review the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and receive an update on the High Needs Block transformation programme. The forum noted the financial reports and the progress made in improving support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Dedicated Schools Grant Monitoring Quarter 1 2024/25

The Schools Forum noted the report on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for Quarter 1 of the 2024/25 financial year. The report detailed the 2023/24 outturn position and the forecast for the current financial year. Tony Burton, Head of Finance for Children's Services and Education, presented the figures, which indicated a projected total DSG balance of £0.962 million by 31 March 2025.

A key point of discussion was the High Needs Block (HNB), which is forecast to underspend by £0.456 million in 2024/25. This represents a significant improvement compared to previous years. The report highlighted that the retained HNB deficit was £2.378 million at 31 March 2023, but is forecast to reduce to £0.962 million by 31 March 2025, partly due to the receipt of Safety Valve funding. The forum was informed that inflationary pressures might lead to unbudgeted cost increases in the future, which will be closely monitored.

Regarding the Schools Block, the report indicated a variance of (£1.275m) for 2024/25, primarily due to academy recoupment. De-delegated budgets for maintained schools, including those in financial difficulty, were also discussed. Any unspent de-delegated funding will be repaid to maintained primary schools. No falling rolls fund was established for the 2024/25 academic year due to new grant conditions requiring clear school place planning data.

The Early Years Block is forecast to spend to budget in 2024/25, with a small surplus carried forward from the previous year pending final grant adjustments. The Central Services Schools Block is also forecast to outturn to budget.

Q1 Update: High Needs Block 2024/25

Peter Haylock, Director of Education and SEND, presented an update on the transformation programme across the High Needs Block (HNB), outlining the SEND vision, shared principles, and progress to date. Michele Barrett raised concerns about early years and special school placements for students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Mr. Haylock confirmed that options for special school placements are being reviewed as part of the SEND sufficiency plan, with initial resource provisions and units expected to be operational by 2025. He also noted that work is underway to review funding for EHCP support in mainstream schools and to evaluate the impact of the EHCP annual review process.

The Chair suggested collaborating with Heads from SEN panels to enhance the effectiveness of EHCP support, including potential training opportunities. The Schools Forum noted the current position and progress of the transformation programme across the HNB.

Work Programme

The Schools Forum noted the draft work programme for the upcoming meetings.

The meeting was attended by voting members including Anne-Marie (Thames Federation), Dave Colins (Brackenbury School), Michele Barrett (Randolph Beresford / Vanessa Nursery), Imogen Lavelle (The Good Shepherd), and Gary Kynaston (Hammersmith Academy), who chaired the meeting. Non-voting members and officers from the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham Council were also present. Apologies were received from Alex Parker. The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as an accurate record.