The Schools Forum met on Tuesday 5 March 2024 to discuss the final allocation of Early Years Block funding for 2024/25 and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) monitoring for Q3 2023/24. The forum noted the report on Early Years funding and approved the falling rolls funding for the 2023/24 budget.

Final Early Years Funding 2024/25

The Schools Forum noted the report on the final allocation of Early Years Block funding for 2024/25. This funding is based on January 2023 census numbers and was agreed by Cabinet on 12 February 2024, following consultation with the sector. The proposals were presented at workshops held in January for maintained nurseries, primaries with nursery provision, and the private, voluntary, and independent sector, including childminders.

Dedicated Schools Grant Monitoring Q3 2023/24

The Schools Forum noted the report on the 2023/24 quarter 3 budget monitoring position for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). This report detailed updates to the allocation received from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) in July 2023 and included the forecast accumulated DSG carry forward deficit position for the High Needs Block (HNB).

Tony Burton, Head of Finance for Children's Services and Education, explained that the retained HNB deficit at 31 March 2022 was £4.749m. This was after receiving £17.55m in agreed safety valve funding. The deficit is forecast to reduce to £3.193m by 31 March 2024, following the receipt of an additional £1.5m in safety valve funding in the 2024/25 financial year. Further information on provisional funding allocations for 2025/26 will be presented at the July Schools Forum.

The Chair reviewed the proposed allocation from the 2023/24 falling rolls provision and found the methodology to be reasonable, agreeing for it to be progressed.

Regarding feedback from the Early Years workshops, Tony Burton reported good attendance from over 60 providers across the sector. He highlighted that the under-2s offer in Hammersmith and Fulham compares favourably to neighbouring local authorities. Satwinder Saraon, Strategic Lead for Education, Early Years and Transformation, added that the workshops and survey were well-received.

The Schools Forum resolved to note the report and approved the falling rolls funding for the proposed 2023/24 budget.