Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence received.

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

This report provides an update on the High Needs Block programmes of work and performance against the Department for Education Safety Valve Agreement at Q1.

Peter Haylock (Director of Education and SEND) presented the item that covered the High Needs Block (HNB) programmes of work and performance against the Department for Education Safety Valve Agreement at Q1.The Council’s ordinarily available guidance was continuing to be embedded in practice across the local area. Improvements to the pathway for accessing SEN support service had been made to streamline access and to ensure a coordinated and triaged approach via the local area SENDCO post. It was noted that the Council’s increased early intervention offers were also now well embedded. The Joint Communication Team had delivered training to over 140 early years and school employees during the summer term.

Referring to the continued 1% block transfer and investment in SEND support services, the Chair requested that this be brought back to a future meeting for further discussions, once further information was available.

Action: Tony Burton

The Chair requested a summary of the risk profile for the HNB and how this would be managed going forward, including the overall numbers of the overall EHCPs.

Action: Tony Burton

RESOLVED

The Schools Forum noted the current position and progress of the transformation programme across the High Needs Block (HNB).

This report contains the draft 2024 updates to the Hammersmith and Fulham scheme for financing schools which applies to all maintained schools.

Tony Burton (Head of Finance for Children’s Services and Education) presented the item that contained the draft 2024 update to the Hammersmith and Fulham scheme for financing schools which applied to all maintained schools. It was noted that all maintained schools would be consulted as part of this routine update during October 2024 with final versions presented for adoption at Schools Forum in November.

RESOLVED

The Schools Forum noted the report.

Tony Burton (Head of Finance for Children’s Services and Education), provided a verbal update which covered the following key points:

·       2025/26 Budget Process

o   This would usually take place in July 2024, but announcements were on hold pending government spending review post-election. Therefore, there were no indicative budgets or guidance for 2025/26 at this stage for mainstream school’s budgets 2025/26 and special provision funding update 2025/26

o   Assumed this would be available after the October budget statement with rapid modelling and consultation in November and December.

o   Early Years 2025/26 indicative budgets and guidance was still expected in late November and December. Rapid work would be required for Schools Forum decisions post-Christmas break.

·       Pay increases and additional funding, including key increases for schools this year:

o   Non-teaching staff April 2024

o   Teachers’ pension scheme employers rate increase 2024

o   Teachers pay offer (now accepted by the unions) September 2024 funding announced.

o   Teachers Pay Additional Grant (TPAG) was still being paid as separate grant in 24-25

o   Core Schools Budget Grant (CSBG) contributed to teachers pay award Sept 2024

o   Teachers’ Pension Grant (TPECG) 

Imogen Lavelle (The Good Shepherd) enquired if there were any updates on support staff pay rises and when further information would be issued. Tony Burton noted that he didn’t have any information on this and would direct this enquiry to HR colleagues. An update would be brought to the next Schoos Forum for clarity.

Action: Tony Burton/Peter Haylock

RESOLVED

The Schools Forum noted the report

      RESOLVED:

      The Schools Forum noted draft forward plan was noted.

The Chair requested that data on primary and secondary school security numbers be presented at the next Schools Forum meeting. Jane Gleasure (Little People, Early Years) gave an update on the impact of early years funding across nursery providers, highlighting that it had an overall positive effect.