This week, the Bexley Council held several meetings, with the most impactful being the Bexley Schools Forum on Monday, 17 June 2024. The forum made key decisions on the Schools Block Funding Formula, Early Years Funding Formula, and the overall schools budget for 2024-25, including high needs.

Schools Block Funding Formula

The forum approved the proposed unit values and the growth fund budget unanimously. Officers provided an update on the funding formula for mainstream schools and academies, detailing annual funding, pupil data comparisons, and the impact at individual school levels. A significant point of discussion was the year-on-year rise in reception intake in the Thamesmead cluster, which is contrary to the national trend. The need to cap admission numbers officially was also highlighted.

Early Years Funding Formula

The forum also approved the proposed funding formulae and draft budget for the early years block. This included changes to free entitlement, estimated allocations for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), and the speech and language supplement informed by census data. Officers noted that plans for a small capital allocation need to be submitted to the Department for Education (DfE) by June.

Overall Schools Budget 2024-25 Including High Needs

The discussion on the overall schools budget included an update on the Safety Valve agreement, which aims to manage the expected level of accumulated deficit on the DSG. The forum expressed concerns about the accuracy of forecasting and the implications of the Safety Valve process failing, especially given the updated adverse variance of £1.261m for the high needs budget.

Safety Valve Update

Officers reported that all three Safety Valve reports for 2023-24 had been submitted to the DfE, with funding received for two and the third payment expected by the end of February. The procurement process for Shenstone School had been successfully concluded. There was also a discussion on the appropriateness of the Talk Boost programme for students with English as an additional language (EAL).

Any Other Business

Concerns were raised about the 10% vacancy rate in current commissioned places and pupils. Officers agreed to follow up with the Special Education Needs and/or Disability (SEND) Management Team. Additionally, the outcome of the SEND local area inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission is awaited.

For more details, you can refer to the minutes of the meeting.

Other meetings held this week included the Licensing Sub-Committee on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, and the Bexley Health and Wellbeing Board on Thursday, 20 June 2024. Unfortunately, we have not been able to find video broadcasts of these meetings.

Understanding the workings of local government is crucial for residents. The Bexley Schools Forum's decisions on funding formulas and budgets directly impact the quality of education and resources available to our children. The forum's discussions on the Safety Valve agreement and high needs budget highlight the complexities of managing public funds and the importance of accurate forecasting and strategic planning.

This week, Bexley Council convened for a significant Council meeting on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, addressing three pivotal issues: LGBT+ inclusive education, housing pressures, and local transportation improvements.

LGBT+ Inclusive Education

The council unanimously supported the implementation of LGBT+ inclusive relationships and sex education. This decision aligns with government guidance and underscores a commitment to fostering an accepting educational environment. The emphasis was on updating policies to reflect current societal values, aiming to provide a supportive atmosphere for all students. This move is a clear indicator of the council's progressive stance on inclusivity and diversity.

Housing Pressures

The discussion on housing revolved around the ongoing crisis, particularly the scarcity of affordable options and the impact of asylum seekers and refugees on local housing availability. The council acknowledged these issues but opted to sustain current arrangements, indicating no new initiatives are on the horizon. This decision may lead to continued strain on local housing resources, suggesting a need for a more strategic approach in future deliberations.

Transportation Improvements

The council also discussed transportation, specifically the introduction of the Superloop bus service and potential extensions of the DLR to Belvedere. These improvements are aimed at enhancing public transport connectivity, which is vital for economic development and reducing traffic congestion. The proactive stance on transportation reflects the council's commitment to improving infrastructure within the borough.

The Licensing Sub-Committee also met this week, but details are pending as the meeting notes have not yet been summarized.

This week's council meeting was a blend of progressive decisions and ongoing challenges, with a notable moment of unity across political lines, particularly on the issue of LGBT+ inclusive education. This theme of inclusivity, paired with the pragmatic approach to housing and transportation, will likely shape the council's agenda in the coming months.