Decision

RESOLVED: That the Forum:

1. NOTED the 2025 to 2026 Growth Fund outturn position and expenditure by phase.
2. NOTED the committed and forecast Growth Fund expenditure for 2026 - 2027.
3. AGREED the proposed consultation with all schools on the proposed Growth Fund Policy for 2027 - 2028 and proposed Growth Fund budget requirement for 2027 – 2028, and that the consultation outcome would return to Schools’ Forum in December [2026] for approval, subject to the Head of Access and Sufficiency including block rate calculations as an option for consideration to provide schools with flexibility to address resource issues which may not be covered by a per-pupil rate.

Reasons for recommendations:

•           North Northamptonshire Council has reviewed its Growth Fund arrangements and developed a Growth Fund Policy for implementation from April 2027.

•           The Growth Fund will continue to support the Council's statutory duty to secure sufficient school places. The policy proposes moving away from a staffing and resource cost model in favour of an NFF-based [National Funding Formula] model as illustrated below.

•           A key improvement is the introduction of a clear and consistent funding methodology. The policy formalises the use of NFF rates to calculate pupil-led Growth Fund allocations, providing schools and academy trusts with greater transparency and certainty regarding funding decisions.

•           The policy also introduces formal eligibility criteria, clearly distinguishing between qualifying and non-qualifying growth activity. This provides a consistent basis for assessing future funding requests and promotes equitable treatment across maintained schools and academy trusts.

•           Overall, the proposed policy provides a transparent and sustainable framework for managing future Growth Fund resources, whilst continuing to support North Northamptonshire Council's statutory responsibility to secure sufficient school places.

Actions arising:

SF/151026/12: That the Head of Access and Sufficiency consider inclusion of a Block Funding formula within the Growth Fund Policy as part of the consultation.