The Schools Forum of Lewisham Council met on Thursday 18 January 2024 to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2024/25 financial year. The meeting focused on the overall funding settlement, the schools block, the early years block, and the high needs block, as well as proposed revisions to the forum's membership.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) 2024/25 - Funding Settlement

The forum was scheduled to receive an overview of the overall DSG funding settlement for 2024/25. This report, the first of four on the topic, was intended to set the financial context for subsequent discussions on specific funding blocks. It detailed the headline funding figures for the Schools Block, Central Services to Schools (CSSB), High Needs Block, and Early Years Block, highlighting a net increase of £27 million in the total DSG compared to 2023/24. However, the report cautioned that the figures were gross and subject to deductions, and that the Early Years Block remained provisional. Updates were also provided on the Pupil Premium and Teachers' Pay and Pension Grants for 2024/25.

Dedicated Schools Grant 2024/25 - Schools Block Submission of the Authority Proforma Tool (APT)

This report, the second in the series, focused on the Schools Block and proposed options for finalising the Authority Proforma Tool (APT) submission to the Department for Education (DfE) by 22 January 2024. It detailed the total funding available for the Schools Block and discussed options for the Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG) uplift, with officers recommending Option 2 (0% uplift) to support the High Needs Block. The report also outlined the proposed levels of de-delegation for 2024/25, noting the impact of schools converting to academy status.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) 2024/25 - Early Years Block

The third report addressed the Early Years (EY) Block, detailing funding arrangements for the extension of the EY Offer. It presented proposed hourly funding rates for three-and-four-year-olds, two-year-olds (disadvantaged and working parents), and children under two years old. The report highlighted significant changes to the funding system, including new national funding formulas and the extension of the 95% pass-through requirement. It also noted the provisional nature of the funding and the need for contingency, as well as increased responsibilities for Special Educational Needs Inclusion Funding (SENIF). A verbal update from the Head of Early Years was anticipated.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) 2024/25 - High Needs Block

This final report on the DSG focused on the High Needs Block, outlining a modest increase in funding of approximately 3% for 2024/25. The report highlighted continuing pressure on the High Needs Block, with an anticipated cumulative deficit of around £14 million by the end of the current financial year. It presented data on the increase in Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) and the associated costs, noting that the average cost per pupil exceeded the funding receivable. The report also mentioned Lewisham's local mitigation plan and the potential supplementation by the DfE's Delivering Better Value (DBV) initiative, should a grant application be successful.

Revision of Membership of Schools Forum

This report addressed changes to the Schools Forum's membership arising from the academisation of six schools, which had shifted the balance of pupils supported by maintained schools towards academies. The report confirmed the proposed new membership structure for the financial year 2024/25 and sought agreement on the revised constitution, inviting relevant school representative groups to confirm nominations. The report detailed the current and revised distribution of representatives across primary, secondary, and academy sectors, highlighting existing vacancies.