The Wandsworth Schools' Forum met on Monday 12th March 2018 to discuss the Early Years Funding Formula for 2018-19, the High Needs Block Budget Setting for the same financial year, and a strategic review of special needs provision. The meeting also included updates on membership changes and the forward plan.

Early Years Funding Formula for the Provision of Free Education Places for 2, 3 and 4 Year Olds for 2018-19

The forum was scheduled to consider the Early Years Budget and Rates for the upcoming academic year. The report outlined the total funding available for allocation to providers, the final per-pupil hourly rates, and indicative budget shares for 2018-19. It also proposed a method for collecting pupil data and making payments. Recommendations included agreeing the hourly rates and budget shares, establishing an SEND Inclusion Fund budget of £785,311, and approving the procedure for data collection and budget share adjustments. Alternative options were presented for setting the Private, Voluntary, and Independent (PVI) provider hourly rate, with options to set it at £5.20 with a flexibility supplement, or at £5.30. The report also noted the Local Authority's compliance with the Department for Education's (DfE) 95% pass-through rate requirement.

High Needs Block Budget Setting for Financial Year 2018-19

This agenda item focused on the High Needs Block (HNB) allocations for the financial year 2018-19. The report indicated that a balanced budget had been set for the HNB, incorporating DfE funding increases and previously agreed actions. Top-up rates for mainstream schools, resource bases, and special schools were scheduled to increase by one percent. The report detailed the proposed budget figures, including indicative mainstream school and special school/resource provision budgets, and outlined changes in commissioned places. A benchmarking exercise was presented, comparing Wandsworth's HNB expenditure to statistical neighbours and other inner London local authorities, highlighting that Wandsworth spends significantly more on place funding for special schools and top-up funding for special schools and independent schools compared to its comparators. The report also detailed budget pressures, including an increase in commissioned places and rising input costs, but noted that additional income and proposed cost-saving initiatives would allow for a balanced budget.

Strategic Review of Special Needs

The forum was scheduled to discuss a report on the strategic review of special needs, which had previously been considered by the Education and Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Executive. The report highlighted pressures due to an increase in the number and complexity of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Proposals included the development of a resource base for up to 20 children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) at Riversdale Primary School, and an expansion of Paddock School to provide an additional 16 places for children with learning disabilities and ASD. The report also detailed the outcome of a consultation on educational provision for children with SEND, including feedback from parents, children, schools, and services. Key themes from the consultation included aspirations for employment and independent living, challenges with accessing therapies and mental health support, and the need for more vocational training options.

Membership Changes

The forum was to be updated on membership changes, noting that Steve Dixon had replaced Sami Hedhli as the South Thames College representative, and Helen Dorfman had resigned from the Academies Group.

Forward Plan

A verbal update on the Schools' Forum forward plan for upcoming meetings was scheduled.

Future Meeting Dates

The dates for future Schools' Forum meetings in 2018 were to be noted: Monday 21st May, Monday 2nd July, Monday 17th September, and Monday 26th November.