Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies of absence were received Daniel Upfield and Alex Parker

To agree the minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as an accurate record.

This report updates forum on the Final allocation of Early Years Block funding for 2024/25 based on January 2023 census numbers as agreed by Cabinet on 12^th February 2024 and following consultation with the Sector in January and early February.

Tony Burton (Head of Finance for Children’s Services and Education) presented the item  that covered the final allocation of early years Block funding for 2024/25 based on January 2023 census numbers as agreed by Cabinet on 12^th February 2024 and following consultation with the sector in January and early February.

The proposals were presented at early years workshops held on 18^th January for Maintained Nurseries and Primaries with nursery provision and on 22^nd January for the private, voluntary, and independent sector including childminders. February.

RESOLVED

The schools Forum noted the report

This report updates forum on the 2023/24 quarter 3 budget monitoring position after updates to the allocation received in July 2023 from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

Tony Burton (Head of Finance for Children’s Services and Education) presented the report which covered the 2023/24 quarter 3 budget monitoring position after updates to the allocation received in July 2023 from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). It also included the forecast accumulated Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) carry forward deficit position with respect to the High Needs Block (HNB). The retained HNB deficit at 31/03/22 was £4.749m after receipt of £17.55m of agreed safety valve funding since the commencement of the agreement.

In response to a question asked by the Chair, Tony Burton explained that the retained deficit was forecast to reduce to £3.193m at 31/03/24 following the receipt of £1.5m further safety valve funding in 2024/25 financial year. Further information regarding the provisional funding allocations for 2025/26 would be brought to the July schools forum.

Referring to the proposed allocation from 2023/24 falling rolls provision, the Chair noted that the methodology employed deemed reasonable and was happy for this to be progressed.

The Chair asked for further clarification to be provided on any feedback from the early year workshops. Tony Burton noted that there was good attendance of over 60 providers at the workshops with representatives from all areas of the early years sector. He provided a summary of the headline takeaways noting that the under 2’s offer compared more favourably than to other neighbouring local authorities.

Satwinder Saraon (Strategic Lead for Education, Early Years and Transformation) noted that the workshops and survey conducted were relatively well received.

RESOLVED

The schools Forum noted the report and approved the falling rolls funding proposed 2023/4 budget.