The Redbridge Schools Forum met on Tuesday 21 March 2023 to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) settlement for 2023-24, the allocation of school funding, and the management of the High Needs Block. The forum also reviewed various grant updates and capital expenditure plans.

Dedicated Schools Grant Settlement 2023-24

The forum received an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) settlement for 2023-24, which indicated an increase in funding for the Schools Block and High Needs Block, but a decrease for the Central Schools Services Block. Mainstream schools will also receive an additional grant to help with increased staff and energy costs. The forum noted the breakdown of the DSG and the Mainstream Schools Additional Grant, and approved the Local Authority's retention of £1.144 million of the Early Years budget to support central services.

Schools Block Funding Arrangements 2023-24

Discussions were held regarding the Schools Block Funding Arrangements for 2023-24. The forum noted that deprivation factors had increased, and that split sites would become a compulsory factor in the following year, impacting four schools. The growth fund had been reduced to top up schools' funding to meet the national funding formula. The forum noted the primary school to secondary school ratio, the funding rates, and the Growth Fund budget. They also noted that the final DSG allocation and schools funding formula would be reported to Cabinet and Council. Questions were raised about variations in funding increases and decreases in less deprived areas, which were explained as being related to pupil characteristics beyond deprivation, such as English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility.

De-Delegation 2023-24

The forum considered the De-Delegation report for 2023-24, which proposed a 5.66% increase in rates from the previous year. Concerns were raised by members regarding the lack of detailed explanation for these cost calculations and how the de-delegated budget would be spent. It was agreed that more detailed information on expenditure for schools causing concern would be provided at the next meeting. Maintained primary and secondary forum representatives approved the proposed de-delegation rates for their respective sectors.

Services to Schools

The forum was asked to consider extending the contract for Havering Governor Services, which provides clerking and administrative support for the forum. After declaring an interest, the clerk offered to leave the room. The Chair and Vice Chair proposed extending the Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Havering Governor Services until 31 August 2024, which was approved by the members.

High Needs Block Management

An update on the High Needs Block funding for 2023-24 and the anticipated outturn for 2022-23 was presented. The forum noted that Redbridge's High Needs Funding allocation had increased by 9% for 2023-24, including a supplementary grant to address cost pressures. Mainstream top-up rates and supplements for special schools and alternative provision were also discussed. A significant underspend of £1.3 million was reported for the 2022-23 financial year, which would be carried forward to the next financial year. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the 4% uplift to top-up funding, given the increasing costs associated with meeting the needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Members expressed frustration over the lack of detailed strategic planning presented in the report regarding how the £9 million budget would be spent, despite a significant increase in demand.

Early Years Funding Formula 2022-23 Forecast Underspend

Members received a report on a forecast underspend in the Early Years Block for 2022-23. Caution was advised due to potential adjustments from the Department for Education (DfE) in the summer term. However, the forum agreed to the proposed rationale for distributing any confirmed underspend to providers in 2023-24, as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report.

Schools Capital Programme

The Educational Capital Update report was received, summarising current and planned expenditure on education capital schemes. Members were updated on projects including the Special Provision Fund for High Needs, expansion of Wanstead High School and Hatton Special School, and general school conditioning works. Questions were raised about school expansion projects in light of falling pupil numbers, and clarification was sought on the Hatton Special School expansion. The accuracy of the figures and the ring-fencing of capital funds since 2014 were also discussed.

Academies and Free School Update

The forum was updated on the number of academies and free schools in Redbridge. It was noted that there were currently 20 non-maintained schools in the borough. The most recent conversion was Downshall Primary School in January 2023, with two further schools in the pipeline. The report also mentioned Newbury Park consulting on converting to an academy within a Waltham Forest Multi-Academy Trust (MAT).

School Grants Update

The School Grants (non-DSG) 2022-23 report was received and noted by the forum. This report provided an overview of grants received by Local Authority maintained schools.