The Wandsworth Schools Forum met on Monday 3rd July 2023 to discuss a range of financial and operational matters affecting schools in the borough. Key topics included projections for pupil numbers and their impact on school provision, an update on Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) services, and the financial health of schools.

Pupil Population Projections and Sufficiency

The forum was scheduled to receive an update on pupil population projections and the sufficiency of school places in Wandsworth. This report, building on previous discussions, aimed to outline current trends and forecast future needs, drawing on data from the Greater London Authority (GLA) and local school census information. The projections are influenced by various factors, including birth rates, housing development yields, and migration patterns. The report highlighted that declining birth rates are expected to reduce the need for school places over the next decade.

The implications for mainstream schooling were a significant focus. The report detailed strategies to manage decreasing pupil numbers, such as reducing the number of forms of entry in schools, which is seen as less disruptive than school closures. Specific areas like Tooting and Furzedown were identified as experiencing the largest declines, with proposals for formal reductions in Published Admission Numbers (PANs) for several primary schools. Other areas, including Earlsfield/Wandsworth Common, Northcote/Balham, Battersea, Fairfield/Town Centre, Southfields/West Hill/East Putney, Putney/Thamesfield, and Roehampton/West Putney, were also discussed in terms of potential adjustments to their forms of entry. For secondary schools, the impact of falling primary rolls is anticipated from 2025/26, with some flexibility to adjust forms of entry already in place. The report concluded that adapting to declining pupil rolls will be a challenge for school budgets, necessitating a collaborative approach to ensure school sustainability.

Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) and Therapies Investment

An update was scheduled on the performance of investments in Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) and other therapies for mainstream schools and the borough. The council has commissioned additional therapy support, including SALT and Social Care Occupational Therapy (OT), from St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (SGFT). An annual investment of £400,000 was made for SALT at SEN support level, alongside increased capacity within the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) service for SALT and OT.

The report indicated that the number of EHCP requests from professionals and parents had reduced over the last three years, although requests from schools had seen a slight increase. EHCP requests at key stages for SALT investment (Reception, Year 6, and Year 7) have also decreased. The report presented data showing a decrease in EHCPs issued with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as the primary issue, suggesting the investment in secondary school age children with ASD may be having a positive impact. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the investment were being monitored, with data provided on the number of children seen, direct contacts, and discharges from specialist support. The report also detailed the impact of additional investment in the EHCP/Commissioned Service, highlighting cost avoidance through internal assessments and tribunal support. An update on Occupational Therapy (OT) services was also included, detailing new assessments and caseloads.

Schools Balances and Local Authority Support

The forum was to receive a report detailing the change in schools' financial balances over the last year and outlining the support offered by the Local Authority (LA) to schools facing financial difficulty. The report highlighted Wandsworth's proactive approach to supporting schools with financial and resource management challenges, noting a low percentage of schools in deficit compared to national benchmarks.

The report presented data on school balances, showing an overall increase in reserves for both maintained and academy schools over the past five years. However, a more nuanced picture emerged when examining different school types. Maintained nursery schools showed a significant fall in combined balances, with two out of three having negative reserves. Primary schools, both maintained and academy, generally showed an increase in balances, though some individual schools had negative reserves or reserves below recommended levels. Secondary schools, both maintained and academy, also demonstrated increased balances, which will be crucial as pupil numbers begin to decline in this phase. Maintained special schools and academy special schools showed a decrease in balances, with some having significant negative reserves. Maintained alternative provision settings reported an increase in reserves. The report also included benchmarking data, comparing Wandsworth's school reserves to Inner London, Outer London, and national averages. The LA's support mechanisms, including a dedicated Finance Business Partner role, monthly forecasting, and wraparound support teams for financially vulnerable schools, were detailed. Extracts from the Scheme for Financing Schools were also provided, outlining financial requirements and reporting procedures.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Forecast for 2023-24

A report was scheduled to present the current forecast for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the Financial Year 2023-24. The report indicated an expected overall overspend of £3.544 million for FY 2023-24. This is primarily driven by an anticipated overspend in the High Needs Block (£4.644 million), partially offset by underspends in the Early Years Block (£0.500 million) and the Schools Block (£0.600 million).

The High Needs Block (HNB) supports provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) up to age 25. The report detailed that the HNB is forecasting net expenditure of £64.788 million, resulting in an overspend of £4.644 million against its budget. This overspend is attributed to factors such as the increasing number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), rising costs per EHCP, and increased funding for commissioned services. The forecast includes placeholder funding for expected increases in pupil numbers, which may be reduced as the year progresses. The report noted that the overall overspend in FY 2023-24 is forecast to be £1.697 million lower than in FY 2022-23, with management actions and invest-to-save initiatives showing positive results. The report also provided details on the forecast for the Early Years Block, showing an underspend due to lower pupil numbers and reduced take-up of the Disability Access Fund. The Schools Block is forecasting an underspend of £0.600 million, largely due to the closure of Broadwater Primary School.

Schools Forum Membership Update

A verbal update on the membership of the Schools Forum was scheduled to be provided by Ruth Wright, the Democratic Services Officer.

Future Meeting Dates

The forum was to note the scheduled dates for future Schools Forum meetings in the Financial Year 2023-24. These include meetings on Monday 16th October 2023, Monday 4th December 2023, Monday 8th January 2024, and Monday 11th March 2024.

Future High Needs Subgroup / Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Recovery Board Meeting Dates

The forum was also to note the scheduled dates for meetings of the High Needs Subgroup / DSG Recovery Board in FY 2023-24. These include Tuesday 19th September 2023 and Thursday 9th November 2023.