The Schools Forum of Rochdale Council met on Thursday, 13 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the approval of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding allocations, the Schools Funding Formula for 2024/25, and updates on SEND targeted funding and reportable surpluses.

Dedicated Schools Grant Funding Settlement 2024/25

The Head of Finance – Adults & Children presented a report on the Dedicated Schools Grant Funding Settlement 2024/25. The report outlined the funding and summarised previous agreements by the Forum on the Central Schools Service Block (CSSB), de-delegation of funding from the schools block, and Early Years Central Retention. The Forum was asked to agree on the growth funds and central retention of the final allocation of the CSSB for 2024/25. However, due to the meeting being inquorate, no decision could be made.

Schools Funding Formula 2024/25

The Head of Finance – Adults & Children also discussed the Schools Funding Formula for 2024/25. It was reported that there were no major changes proposed to the structure of the formula, which mirrors the National Funding Formula. The Local Authority (LA) had modelled two options for the funding formula, with only one being affordable while allowing for £1 million to be retained for the growth fund. The update was noted by the Forum.

Proposals for Central School Service Block (CSSB), De-Delegation, and Early Years Central Retention for 2024/25

A report on the Proposals for CSSB, De-Delegation, and Early Years Central Retention for 2024/25 was presented. The purpose was to outline the proposals for agreement by the Forum. Due to the inquorate status of the meeting, no decision could be made. It was advised that the formula for calculating Early Years Central Retention funding had significantly changed, necessitating new consultation with Forum members. An online Zoom meeting was scheduled for Monday, 26 February, at 1.15 pm for further consultation.

SEND Targeted Funding Update

The Head of Finance – Adults & Children provided an update on SEND Targeted Funding. The report aimed to inform the Forum about a consultation review of the mechanism for allocating SEND funding to schools with a disproportionate number of pupils requiring SEND support. A subgroup of Forum members, including headteachers and representatives from SEND and Finance Teams, had considered various options for allocation funding. The subgroup preferred the Department for Education (DfE) model formula and recommended including secondary schools and academies in the scheme. Members present supported this inclusion and discussed the need for broader communication to schools to clarify the funding models.

Reportable Surplus Update

A verbal update on Reportable Surplus was provided. The Forum was informed that the school which had previously not responded to requests regarding their reportable surplus had now provided the necessary return. Future requests for school returns would be tracked and monitored. Members expressed full support for officers to monitor school responses and suggested including deadlines in all communications with schools, with the consequence of clawing back the surplus if deadlines were not met.

Timetable of Forum Meetings 2024/25

The Head of Finance – Adults & Children outlined the Timetable of Forum Meetings for 2024/25. Members were advised of the dates of meetings and the items to be considered throughout the year. The update was noted by the Forum.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The Forum resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the consideration of certain items, in accordance with Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, to prevent the disclosure of exempt information.

Term Time Only Claims

A verbal update on Term Time Only Claims was provided by the Head of Finance – Adults & Children. The update was noted by the Forum.