Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 8, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: •         That Schools Forum agreed to pass all the increase on 3&4 year old funding through the base rate for universal and extended hours.   •         That Schools Forum agreed to increase the pass through to providers to 97% of total budget for 3-and-4-year-old funding which will be paid to providers with 3% retained centrally.   •         That Schools Forum agreed to continue to pass through 97% of the total budget for under 2’s and 2-year-old funding which will be paid to providers and with 3% retained centrally.   •         That Schools Forum agreed to continue the deprivation supplement for 3&4-year-olds, as set out in the DfE guidance.   •         That Schools Forum did not agree with the introduction of a deprivation supplement for under 2’s and 2 year old working and disadvantaged, based on the existing 3&4-year-olds funding rate.   •         That Schools Forum agreed to increase the existing SENIF hourly rate by £2.00, resulting in the new hourly rate of £12.00 for providers eligible for the funding.   •         That Schools Forum agreed to continue the current distribution of the ring fenced part of the Maintained Nursery Schools grant in order to fund 5% based on numbers of children from Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI) 30% postcodes and the remainder on January census hours.