Decision Maker: CPH Children and Education Decision Session

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 20, 2025

Purpose: School and Early Years funding approach and rates for 2025-26 academic year

Content: The Cabinet Member RESOLVED to approve the following for 2025-26 budgets:-   a)  For mainstream schools, a minimum funding guarantee level (MFG) of 0.0%, which is the maximum permissible, as recommended by School Forum.   b)  Early Years funding rates are set at the rates shown in paragraph 4.4.2 of the report as recommended by School Forum.   c)  A 3.0% uplift in special and alternative provision top-up rates, Additional Resource Provision (ARP) funding, and Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCP) band rates for pupils in mainstream schools.   d) The levels of central spend as outlined in Appendix 1, including the increase for early years support teams, as approved by School Forum.