The Schools Forum met on Thursday 11 January 2024 to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and the budget proposals for the upcoming academic year. Key decisions included the approval of the 2024-25 budget, formula factor rates, and Growth Fund criteria, as well as the use of DSG reserves for specific initiatives.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Forecast Outturn 2023-24

The Forum received an update on the 2023-24 Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Forecast Outturn at month 9. Jacob Davies, DSG Finance Manager, reported a favourable variance of £1.823 million against the budget of £265.806 million. This positive variance was attributed to underspends in the Schools Block, specifically within the Individual Schools Budget and the Growth Fund. The report also detailed the use of DSG reserves, with £2.916 million allocated to support refugees, therapies for high needs, and early years funding clawback. The Forum noted the forecast outturn and the efficient management of the DSG by the Finance Team.

Budget Proposal 2024-25

Sharon Palma, Head of Finance, presented the budget proposal for 2024-25, outlining how Barnet is funded through the DSG and detailing the four blocks that constitute it: Schools Block, Early Years Block, High Needs Block, and Central School Services Block. The Forum noted the overall DSG budget allocation for 2024-25 of £458.6 million, an increase of approximately £32 million. Key decisions included the agreement of the 2024-25 formula factor rates used in the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) Authority Proforma Tool submission, the Growth Fund criteria and amount, and the Early Years funding rates for 2024-25. Barnet Council continues to mirror the National Funding Formula (NFF) for its local funding formula.

Central School Services Block (CSSB) 2024-25

An update on the 2024-25 Central School Services Block (CSSB) was provided, indicating an increase of £0.117 million to £2.486 million compared to the previous year. Sharon Palma explained that the CSSB covers historic commitments and ongoing responsibilities, such as admissions, appeals, Schools Forum administration, and copyright licensing. The Schools Forum approved the updated figures for the expenditure lines within the CSSB budget for 2024-25.

De-Delegation 2024-25

The Forum reviewed the 2024-25 de-delegation rates, which had been finalised based on the October 2023 census. Sharon Palma reported an additional recuperation of approximately £17,000. The report proposed approving the updated de-delegation rates to maintain the cash value of these funds. The Forum approved the updated de-delegation rates for 2024-25. Neil Marlow undertook to investigate future options for services in light of falling rolls and to benchmark Barnet's de-delegation amounts against other local authorities for discussion at a future meeting.

Use of DSG Reserves

Neil Marlow introduced a report on the proposed use of DSG Reserves. The Forum agreed to expand the existing criteria to support schools admitting children arriving from overseas due to conflicts, specifically allocating £400,000 for SEND support for these children, including EHCP assessments. Additionally, the Forum agreed to earmark £200,000 per year for urgent exceptional repairs to school buildings, allowing schools to bid for this funding based on set criteria.

High Needs Block (HNB) Review Update

Karen Flanagan, Director of SEND and Inclusion, provided an update on the High Needs Block (HNB) review. The Forum noted the next steps, including the secondment of a project lead to oversee a task and finish group. The aim of the review is to explore alternatives to funding exceptional high needs without recourse to an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The potential benefits highlighted included increased flexibility in funding use and reduced administrative costs. Members were encouraged to promote the project lead vacancy within their schools.

Date of Next Meeting

The next Schools Forum meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, 19 March 2024, at 4pm.