The Children, Education and Families Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the upcoming financial year, including an update on the deficit recovery plan. The committee was also set to review the draft budget for the Children, Education and Families portfolio for 2026/27, alongside an annual update on the Youth Justice Service.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) 2026/27

The committee was scheduled to receive an outline of the final Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding for 2026/27. This grant is divided into four blocks: High Needs, Early Years, Schools, and Schools Central. The report detailed the expected income for each block and provided forecasts for expenditure based on currently available information. The committee was invited to note the DSG allocation and provide any comments for consideration by the Portfolio Holder. The Schools Forum was also requested to review the DSG income and forecast expenditure for 2026/27. The Portfolio Holder was to be asked to approve the DSG allocation and its distribution methodology, subject to the views of the committee and the Schools Forum.

The report highlighted significant pressures within the High Needs Block, with a predicted deficit of approximately £16.5 million per annum over the next four years. The overall DSG deficit was forecast to reach £42.3 million by the end of the 2025/26 financial year. Mitigation actions were outlined, aiming to reduce the forecast in-year deficit by £1,963k by 2029/30, although the DSG was not projected to return to balance within this period. The report also detailed changes to Early Years funding, including increased rates for various age groups and provisions, and noted a reduction in the overall allocation for coordinating and implementing the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

Update on Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Deficit Recovery Plan

A revised draft Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Deficit Recovery Management Plan (DRMP) was scheduled for discussion. This plan outlines actions already being taken and proposed to address the growing financial pressures within the High Needs Funding Block of the DSG. The current five-year plan, modelled on forecast requirements and government funding, includes significant mitigation actions projected to reduce the in-year deficit by £1,963k by 2029/30. However, the DRMP does not forecast the DSG returning to balance within this period, with the overall deficit expected to continue increasing. Officers meet regularly with the Department for Education to review the council's deficit position and actions. The report noted that the statutory override, which prevents DSG deficits from being included in the council's main revenue budgets, is in place until the end of the 2027/28 financial year.

The report also detailed proposed recovery mitigations for 2026/27 to 2028/29, including establishing two new specialist satellite provisions, which are anticipated to generate savings of £490k in 2026/27, rising to £1,963k by 2029/30. An additional option to establish 'mini specialist provisions' within mainstream schools was also presented, designed to lessen demand for specialist and independent sector placements.

Grant Allocation for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)

The committee was to receive an update on the grant allocation for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in Bromley. The Department for Education (DfE) provides funding for free holiday club places for children aged 5 to 16 who receive benefits-related free school meals. The report outlined Bromley's annual allocation for 2026-27, which includes funding for HAF provisions, HAF administration, and a School-age Childcare (SAC) Lead. The DfE's intention is to roll out breakfast clubs from April 2026 and a wider school-age childcare system thereafter. The report noted a reduction in the HAF-specific allocations for 2027-28 and 2028-29, and outlined plans to mitigate any negative impacts through investment in digital tools and consolidation of work with other teams.

Basic Need Update Report

An update on funding and capital schemes within the council's Basic Need Programme was scheduled for discussion. The programme is primarily focused on delivering specialist places and includes High Needs Provision Capital funding to increase places and improve the suitability of specialist provision. A key item was the council's decision regarding the Department for Education's offer of £9,044k in additional High Needs Capital Funding as an alternative to the DfE's delivery of the Redwood Academy special free school. The report highlighted risks associated with the DfE's delivery of Redwood Academy due to delays and potential cancellation by an incoming government. Officers proposed opening two new satellite sites of existing special schools to deliver the planned 152 places, potentially opening within the 2026/27 academic year. Additional works at the former Marjorie McClure School site were also proposed. The report detailed the capital grants received and estimated future allocations.

Children, Education and Families Portfolio Draft Budget 2026/27

The committee was to consider the Portfolio Holder's Draft 2026/27 Budget, which incorporates future cost pressures and initial draft budget saving options. The report highlighted the challenging financial context, including reductions in central government funding and increasing service demands. Bromley's position as a low-cost authority with a below-average council tax was noted, alongside concerns about the fairness of the funding system. The draft budget included significant transformation savings totalling £8.2 million in 2026/27, rising to £13.3 million by 2028/29, stemming from service redesigns, demand management, and operational efficiencies. The report also detailed key areas of pressure, including children's social care placements, SEN transport, and High Needs Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) costs.

Youth Justice Service Annual Update

An annual update on the work of the Bromley Youth Justice Service (YJS) was scheduled, covering its performance and achievements. The report outlined the statutory responsibilities of the YJS, overseen by an Executive Board comprising key partner agencies. The Youth Justice Plan 2025-2028, with its five ambitious priorities, was to be discussed, alongside the Reducing Reoffending Strategy 2023-2026. Achievements against these strategies were to be highlighted, including maintaining low reoffending rates in London, an extensive Education, Training and Employment (ETE) offer, and effective Liaison and Diversion services. The report also mentioned the Jack Petchey Achievement Awards 2025, a Stop and Search Safeguarding Pilot, and an Art Exhibition showcasing children's work. Performance against key performance indicators set by the Youth Justice Board was to be presented, including data on accommodation, ETE provision, out-of-court disposals, and serious youth violence.

Children, Education and Families Risk Register - 2025/26 Update

The committee was asked to note the current Children, Education and Families Risk Register and the existing controls in place to mitigate identified risks. The register included risks such as failure to deliver the Children's Services Financial Strategy, failure to deliver effective children's services, recruitment and retention challenges, business interruption/emergency planning, school place planning, SEN transport, SEND reforms, and youth offending. Updates on controls and further actions required to mitigate these risks were detailed.

Children, Education and Families Contracts Register - Part 1 (Public) Report

The committee was to review an extract from the Contracts Register as of 1 November 2025, detailing contracts with a whole life value of £50k or higher. The report provided a summary of active contracts across all portfolios, highlighting those flagged as a concern or approaching their end date. The register is a key tool for contract managers and is reviewed by various boards and leadership teams. The report included a breakdown of contracts by portfolio and a risk index to identify contracts presenting the most significant risks.

Performance Reporting - Children's Scrutiny Dataset Part 1 (Public) Report

A regular update on the performance of children's services was scheduled, presenting key performance indicators as at the end of October 2025. The report aimed to enable members to scrutinise areas of underperformance and make recommendations. Indicators performing below expectation were to be highlighted, including the percentage of children becoming subject to a second or subsequent Child Protection Plan, the number of in-house foster households recruited, the stability of placements for Children Looked After, and average caseloads in the Referral and Assessment Service. Management commentary was to be provided for these indicators.