The Schools Forum confirmed its approval for the proposed school funding formula for 2025/26, following a consultation period which showed no significant objections from schools. The Forum also noted updates on the Camden Local Inclusion Fund (CLIF) and the High Needs Block (HNB) and approved the updated terms of reference for the High Needs Block Subgroup (HNSG). Members also noted the 2024 School Place Planning Report.

School Funding Formula for 2025/26

The Forum approved the continuation of the current local funding formula for schools for 2025/26, as the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) confirmed there would be no significant changes to the National Funding Formula (NFF). The consultation response rate was low (12%), with 100% of respondents supporting the proposal. One primary school commented that the split site formula funding factor does not cover the full costs of running a split site. They said:

“Our split site allowance has been reduced considerably. The fund received doesn’t not cover the cost of running a split site school."

The school suggested that the national funding for split sites should be changed.

The Forum was updated on the general budget announcements from the Autumn Budget which included an increase of £2.2bn to the core school budgets. This is a 1.8% increase to school budgets, which will need to cover inflation and the teacher pay award for 2025/26. However, it remains unclear what portion of the £1bn allocated to SEND will be used to bail out financially struggling local authorities.

Camden Local Inclusion Fund (CLIF)

The Forum noted the report which provided an update on the Camden Local Inclusion Fund (CLIF), which is intended to support Early Education and Childcare providers to meet the needs of children with emerging special educational needs and / or disabilities. It was confirmed that the CLIF budget for 2024/25 was £1.3m: £804,000 from the EYDSG and £500,000 from the HNB.

The Forum raised concerns over the level of funding available for each of the bands within the CLIF. For example, it was noted that the funding for Band C did not cover 75% of a child’s nursery costs and Band D did not cover 100%. The Forum expressed concern over how nurseries would be able to pay for staff, given that the 30 hours were not funded. It was noted that funding for ENGs and EHCPs also did not cover the full costs of SEND provision.

The Forum requested a more detailed report from the EY Team at a future meeting.

High Needs Block

The Forum noted the projected overspend of £2.1 million on the High Needs Block (HNB), which was £250,000 more than the projected deficit in September. The overspend was driven by rising pupil numbers, individual tuition for children not attending school and EOTAS provision. Members heard that a significant amount of the money, £5.25m, was spent on 70–80 children at independent and non-maintained special schools.

A question was raised about whether costs had been modelled for increasing special provisions and how this aligned with falling budgets. Officers explained that while no specific modelling had been done, there was recognition of the benefits of keeping children in Camden schools as part of the place planning strategy.

The Forum raised concerns over the rising numbers of pupils with EHCPs and ENGs in mainstream schools. They questioned whether the increase in ENG provision for younger children successfully helped pupils transition back into mainstream education. It was suggested that data showing how many ENGs successfully transitioned children off additional support would be helpful. Members agreed the High Needs Subgroup should look into the points raised in more detail.

School Place Planning Report

The Forum noted the 2024 School Place Planning Report, which provided forecasts of pupil demand and set out the basis for school place planning decision-making in Camden. The report highlighted the continuing decline in birth rates in Camden, and the oversupply of primary and secondary school places.

Councillor Marcus Boyland, Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families, highlighted the importance of aligning SEND needs with place planning. Cllr Boyland also raised concerns over the high level of Camden students entering the independent sector over the secondary transition and suggested that work should be done to try to attract more secondary students to mainstream schools.

Members expressed concern over the projected 28% surplus in secondary school places by 2032, highlighting the financial impact. It was noted that long-term solutions may require statutory action by the Council, potentially grouping schools together or closing schools with very low numbers.