Councillor Zena Brabazon, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools & Families, approved the Schools Block Funding Model Strategy for 2026-27. This decision sets out the parameters for how schools in Haringey will be funded for the upcoming financial year.

Schools Block Funding Model Strategy for 2026-27

The Cabinet Member for Children, Schools & Families approved the recommendations for the Schools Block Funding Model Strategy for the 2026-27 financial year. This strategy aligns with the Department for Education's (DfE) National Funding Formula (NFF) and includes several key parameters for funding allocation.

The Schools' Forum is scheduled to convene on 15th January 2026 to formally approve the funding formula. The approved strategy includes adopting the NFF Model with a Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG) of 0% for all schools. A transfer of 0.50% from the Schools Block allocation to the High Needs Block has been noted, as agreed under the safety valve agreement with the DfE. The Growth/Falling Rolls Fund will be set at £666,629, and £210,042 will be de-delegated for Trade Union Representation for maintained schools. Additionally, a block transfer of £122,000 from the Schools Block to the Central Block for Education Welfare Services is agreed, pending necessary consent from the DfE.

The council is legally required to submit its local schools funding formula to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) by 22nd January 2026. This decision ensures the council meets this statutory deadline. The report highlights that the council has consulted with all maintained and academy schools in the borough regarding these proposed changes. Two models were initially presented to the Schools' Block Working Group (SBWG), with Model 1, which uses 100% NFF values, being recommended for adoption to ensure consistency and avoid future funding fluctuations.

The report also details the background of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), which is divided into four blocks: Schools Block, High Needs Block, Early Years Block, and Central School Services Block. The DfE's policy document on pre-16 schools funding guidance for 2026-27 was referenced, outlining the framework for these allocations. The report notes a decrease in the total pupil count, which impacts the DSG funding, but this is offset by an increase in the DSG allocation due to additional grants being incorporated.

The decision is considered a key decision and contributes to the council's strategic outcome under the People Priority, aiming to ensure young people in Haringey receive the best start in life through excellent education and support. The report also includes comments from statutory officers, including the Chief Finance Officer, who confirmed the affordability of the changes within the total DSG allocation, and the Director of Legal and Governance, who confirmed the compliance with statutory requirements and consultation obligations. The Equalities comments highlight the positive impact on young people, particularly disabled children benefiting from targeted SEND support.

The full details of the indicative allocations for each school for the financial year 2026-27 are provided in Appendix 1¹, and the results of the schools block consultation are detailed in Appendix 2².