The Haringey Schools Forum was scheduled to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocations for the upcoming academic year, with a particular focus on the Early Years Block and the Central Schools Services Block. The forum was also set to review updates from various working parties and consider the membership of the Schools Forum itself.

Early Years Block Funding Strategy 2024/25

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Early Years Block funding for the 2024/25 academic year. This included an update on the 2023/24 funding and a review of the latest published allocations for the upcoming year. The forum was scheduled to consider and potentially approve the rates for budget setting purposes for 2024/25. Discussions were also planned regarding the allocation of any underspend from the 2022/23 financial year for Early Years projects.

The report outlined the various funding streams that constitute the Early Years Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), including funding for universal and extended hours entitlements for 3 and 4-year-olds, as well as funding for disadvantaged and working parents' 2-year-old entitlements. It also detailed funding for the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) and the Disability Access Fund (DAF).

Several options were presented for determining the hourly rates for 3 and 4-year-old entitlements, focusing on different approaches to deprivation supplements, including the use of the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI). The report recommended Option 2C, which proposed a base rate of £6.01 per hour with a deprivation rate of £0.30 per hour for eligible pupils, resulting in a total hourly rate of £6.31.

Recommendations were also put forward for the hourly rates for 2-year-old entitlements, with a proposed rate of £9.28 per hour for both disadvantaged and working families, and £12.55 per hour for under 2s entitlements.

Furthermore, the forum was to consider the use of a £231,180 underspend from the 2022/23 Early Years block. Proposed projects included developing a targeted support and coaching programme for children with special educational needs, delivering an Early Years conference for practitioners, and funding additional keynote speaker training sessions.

Central Schools Services Block (CSSB) Funding 2024/25

The meeting was also scheduled to provide an update on the usage and indicative budget for the Central Schools Services Block (CSSB) for 2024/25. The CSSB funds local authorities for central functions and retained duties on behalf of pupils in maintained schools and academies.

The report indicated a reduction in the CSSB allocation for 2024/25 to £2.630 million, down from £2.710 million in 2023/24. This reduction was attributed to a decrease in pupil numbers. The CSSB comprises funding for ongoing responsibilities and historic commitments, with Haringey not having any historic commitments.

The planned expenditure for 2024/25 was detailed, outlining allocations for various services including statutory and regulatory duties, schools standards, looked-after children placements, early help, servicing of the Schools Forum, admissions, governor support, music and performing arts, and support costs. A significant portion of the CSSB is allocated to commissioned services provided by the Haringey Education Partnership (HEP).

Updates from Working Parties and Forum Membership

The forum was scheduled to receive updates from its various working parties, including the Early Years working party, the High Needs working party, and the School's Block working party. The minutes from the Early Years and High Needs working parties were to be presented, with an update on the School's Block working party also anticipated.

Additionally, the meeting was to review the membership of the Schools Forum, noting any changes since the previous meeting. A new member, Caroline Schloss, a Governor at Alexandra Primary School, was to be introduced.

Other Scheduled Discussions

The agenda also included updates on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) generally, and a specific update on the Safety Valve Programme. The meeting dates for the remainder of the 2023-2024 academic year were to be confirmed, with a discussion on the work plan for the forum.