The Schools Forum met on Thursday 25 January 2024 to discuss the 2024/25 budget, receive an update on the 2023/24 financial position, and review the SEND Futures Plan. Key decisions included agreeing the early years central items budgets for 2024/25 and recommending the proposed early years local formula.

2024/25 Budget

The Schools Forum received an update on the proposed budget for the 2024/25 financial year, based on the Department for Education's (DfE) draft Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) settlement. The total DSG allocation for 2024/25 is £212.052 million, an increase of £11.527 million compared to the previous year. This increase is attributed to additional government funding, population changes, and funding for extended duties.

The Schools Block allocation is £151.335 million. Following consultations and previous Forum decisions, £250,000 has been agreed for transfer to the Targeted High Needs Fund, £188,400 for the Education Inclusion Support Service, and £176,500 for school improvement services. De-delegated budgets for maintained schools were also agreed.

The Central School Services Block has a confirmed allocation of £1,121,448. A £286,000 unallocated balance within this block is recommended for transfer to the High Needs Block to address funding pressures.

The High Needs Block allocation has indicatively increased to £37.842 million for 2024/25. It was noted that 2024/25 is the final year for Safety Valve Funding.

The Early Years Block has increased to £21.754 million. Consultation with early years providers on proposed budgets and hourly rates took place in December 2023. While generally supportive, providers expressed concerns about the funding rate for three and four-year-olds. The proposed hourly rates are £6.35 for three and four-year-olds, £9.04 for two-year-olds, and a new rate of £12.60 for children aged nine months to two years old. The Forum agreed to recommend these proposed rates and the early years central items budgets.

The Forum agreed to recommend the proposed early years local formula and noted the information provided in the report.

2023/24 Finance Update

Members received an overview of the 2023/24 financial position. The projected outturn for DSG funded education services is £197.181 million, against a grant allocation of £195.668 million, indicating a projected shortfall of £1.513 million. This overspend is primarily within the High Needs Block. Factors contributing to this include an increase in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), rising costs of residential and independent placements due to inflation, and an increase in out-of-borough placements due to a lack of local specialist provision.

The Forum noted the latest DSG allocation for the 2023/24 financial year and the projected DSG outturn position for the 2023/24 financial year.

SEND Futures Plan Update

The Schools Forum received an update on Richmond's SEND Futures Plan, which aims to improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and enhance the financial sustainability of the system.

Richmond continues to perform well against the measures set out in its Safety Valve Agreement with the DfE, receiving positive feedback from the DfE. The recent Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of the local area's SEND arrangements resulted in the highest possible grade, signifying that arrangements typically lead to positive experiences and outcomes, and that improvements are being made. This outcome means the previous Written Statement of Action is no longer required. Areas for improvement identified by inspectors include reducing waiting times for autism and ADHD assessments, ensuring all expectant mothers receive antenatal contact from a health visitor, and enhancing the quality of information within EHCPs.

A draft updated SEND Futures Plan for 2024/25 to 2027/28 has been published, focusing on early identification and intervention, the local offer, and assessment and planning, underpinned by themes of participation, engagement, co-production, independence, commissioning, and workforce development.

Progress has been made in several areas, including the opening of the Vineyard Specialist Resource Provision and progress with the expansion of the Auriga Trust. A new Associate Director for SEND has also commenced their role. Challenges remain, particularly concerning the increasing demand for EHCPs and the associated costs, as well as recruitment and retention issues within the SEND workforce.

The High Needs Block Sub-group has been focusing on the predicted increase in demand, with emphasis placed on continuous evaluation, early intervention, and support to improve outcomes.

The Forum noted the performance against the Safety Valve Agreement, the outcome of the Ofsted and CQC inspection, and the progress with the implementation of the SEND Futures Plan. Members were asked to provide feedback on the draft updated SEND Futures Plan by 15 February.