To receive disclosures of interests from Members on matters to be considered at the meeting. The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.

An interest must also be disclosed in the meeting when it only becomes apparent to the member during the meeting.

No interests were declared.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 12 July 2023 be signed as a correct record.

In introducing the meeting, the Chair welcomed 6 new members to the Forum: Helen Willett, Jon Skurr, Isabel Peat, Rowena Dixon, Matthew Hill and Ruth Terry. The Chair ‘set the scene’ for Members as follows:

·         We expect to follow our usual timetable for the 2024/25 DSG and formula funding cycle. Today’s meeting, and then meetings in October and December, will prepare the way for the Forum to make its recommendations on 10 January. Today’s meeting represents the starting point for discussions on the 2024/25 cycle. However, we will need to move quickly to formal consultation, beginning as usual mid-October.

·         Important announcements have been made over the summer about 2024/25 financial year DSG funding and formula funding arrangements. These are presented to today’s meeting. There have been significant announcements in particular, and a consultation, on early years entitlement funding, which are also presented to today’s meeting.

·         We warned in the July meeting that we are likely to find the 2024/25 budget round challenging. This is not so much because of technical changes that we will be required to manage (although there are some, especially in early years), but because we will find that the 2024/25 financial settlement is not at the level of recent years, the amount of budget headroom that we have will have reduced, and the financial position of our High Needs Block will worsen. It will be challenging also in respect of how the increases in funding for schools, academies and other providers (including early years’ providers), that can be afforded by the 2024/25 settlement, compare with the current scale of growth in costs, especially as a result of pay awards and inflationary pressures. We begin to present to today’s meeting further details on the 2024/25 settlement, and the view that this year’s cycle will be ‘challenging’ is confirmed, especially for the Early Years Block and for the High Needs Block.

·         As we have presented, we currently forecast a deficit High Needs Block financial position (based on the continuation of current growth rates and before mitigating activity is established) by the end of the 2025/26 financial year, with the rapid depletion of surplus balances in 2024/25. We have previously agreed with the Schools Forum that the Authority will convene a working group of interested Forum members in the autumn, at the point that the Authority has an outline plan for the mitigation and management of this deficit. We will provide an update on this under agenda item 10.

·         One of the key messages for all schools and academies to take note of is the need to review and update their 2023/24 financial year budgets, as well as their 3-year budget forecasts, for the latest available information on pay awards, costs and formula funding projections. Most schools and academies will find that their budget positions have changed since original forecasts were produced earlier in the year.

The Business Advisor (Schools) then reported on progress made on “Action” items from the 12 July meeting. He reported that:

·         Item 696  ...  view the full minutes text for item 708.

Members will be asked to consider any issues raised by schools.

No matters were raised, and no resolutions were passed on this item.

There are no allocations for consideration at this meeting.

No allocations were presented, and no resolutions were passed on this item.

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document QE, which briefs the Schools Forum on the allocation of the Early Years Supplementary Grant (EYSG) in 2023/24.

Recommended –

The Schools Forum is asked to consider and to note the information presented.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document QE, which briefed the Schools Forum on the allocation of the Early Years Supplementary Grant (EYSG) in 2023/24. He explained how the EYSG has been allocated by the Authority and also then emphasised the implication for the DSG, as we forecast to overspend the EYSG allocation by £0.30m, which will be met from the surplus balance held within the Early Years Block. This overspend is due to the Authority funding 4 more weeks of provision (26 weeks rather than 22 weeks) than we are receiving EYSG funding for from the DfE. He explained that this ‘funding profile’ issue is a significant factor when we assess the potential financial impact of the extension of the entitlements at September 2024 and September 2025. This is further discussed under the next agenda item.

A Member asked why the DfE would not fund us for 26 weeks of delivery. The Business Advisor offered the view that this is perhaps the result of the limitations of a national formula approach to the allocation of the EYSG (where different local circumstances are not specifically recognised) but also perhaps because the DfE has not been fully aware of this as an issue. We have emailed the DfE about this issue and the DfE has thanked us for highlighting it (saying that they will consider it further).

The Strategic Director, Children’s Services, asked whether we understand why our rates of EYSG funding are below national median averages, explaining that this is something that is of concern (as we would expect Bradford’s funding to be above national averages) and that the Forum may wish to further consider and to lobby Government on. The Business Advisor responded that he would need to look again at previous analysis, but he offered the view that this is most likely to do with the weighting of deprivation factors within the national early years’ formula. It was agreed that an analysis of this position should be presented to future Forum meeting for further consideration.

Resolved –

(1)       That the information provided in Document QE be noted.

(2)       That an analysis of why the uplifts in rates of EYSG funding received by Bradford are lower than national medians be presented to the Forum for further consideration.

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document QF, which briefs the Schools Forum on the DfE’s consultation on the Early Years Block for 2024/25 and on the implications of the DfE’s proposals for the funding of providers delivering the early years entitlements, as well as for our Early Years Block management. The report provides the Local Authority’s response to this consultation, which has been submitted. The deadline for responses was 8 September.

The Early Years Working Group will continue to meet to consider more closely the DfE’s proposals, as well as to consider our early years entitlement funding arrangements for 2024/25 in response to these. Interested Forum members are invited to attend this Group.

Members are asked to note that our consultation with providers on our early years entitlement funding arrangements for 2024/25 will not begin immediately following the Forum’s October meeting, as is planned for our Schools Block and High Needs Block consultations (please see agenda item 8 below) and depends on the timing of the DfE’s announcement of the outcomes of the consultation and the publication of the 2024/25 Early Years Block operational guidance.

Recommended -

(1)       The Schools Forum is asked to consider and to note the information presented.

(2)       Members are invited to attend the Early Years Working Group.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document QF, which briefed the Schools Forum on the DfE’s consultation on the Early Years Block for 2024/25 and on the implications of the DfE’s proposals for the funding of providers delivering the early years entitlements, as well as for our Early Years Block management. The report provided the Local Authority’s response to this consultation, which has been submitted.

The Business Advisor explained that the Early Years Working Group will meet to consider more closely the DfE’s proposals, as well as to consider our early years entitlement funding arrangements for 2024/25 in response to these.  He explained that our consultation with providers on our early years entitlement funding arrangements for 2024/25 will not begin immediately following the Forum’s October meeting and depends on the timing of the DfE’s announcement of the outcomes of the consultation and the publication of the 2024/25 Early Years Block operational guidance.

Referring to the ‘funding profile’ issue, the Business Advisor explained that, if the DfE does not alter the funding profile to account for the introduction and extension of the new entitlements at September 2024 and September 2025, we model that we will have £3.2m of unfunded cost across 2024/25 and 2025/26. This, therefore, is a significant issue for us (and would represent a significant call on DSG reserves if not resolved). The Business Advisor explained that this issue has been included within our consultation response and that we have also directly emailed the DfE. The DfE has responded to say that the issue will be considered further.

The Chair asked whether members in attendance representing nursery schools have any initial feedback on the DfE’s proposals for the funding of the extension of the entitlements. The member representing maintained nursery school headteachers responded to explain that the major concern for the early years sector as a whole is that the rates of funding that are allocated for the new entitlements must be sufficient to cover delivery costs; currently providers subsidise underfunded entitlement delivery via charging for non-entitlement childcare hours. Where non-entitlement hours now become entitlement hours, there will be significantly less flexibility for subsidy, which could have significant negative financial implications for the sector. The member asked for clarification on whether the protection of the funding of maintained nursery schools would be extended to the funding of new entitlements. The Business Advisor responded to explain that nursery school protection and supplementary funding only currently applies to the 3&4-year-old entitlement and would only continue to apply to this entitlement going forward.

Resolved –

That the information presented in Document QF be noted.

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present Document QG, which provides a briefing on the 2024/25 Dedicated Schools Grant settlement and formula funding arrangements, following the DfE’s announcements made on 17 July 2023.  This report provides important background for the development of our formula funding arrangements for 2024/25.

Recommended –

The Schools Forum is asked to note the information presented and to begin to consider the implications for the 2024/25 DSG budget planning round and formula funding arrangements.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented Document QG, which provided a briefing on the 2024/25 Dedicated Schools Grant settlement and formula funding arrangements, following the DfE’s announcements made on 17 July 2023. 

The Chair remarked that this report provides very important background for the development of our formula funding arrangements for 2024/25 and should be used as a reference document for Members going forward.

Within the presentation of the briefing note, the Assistant Director, SEND and Inclusion, informed the Forum that Bradford has been chosen as a local authority to pilot the DfE’s SEND and Alternative Provision Review reforms. The Chair, and other Members, responded to this positively (that it is a positive step for us to engage with these reforms, and to feel their benefit, sooner).

Members did not have any other comments and did not ask any questions.

Resolved –

That the information presented in Document QG be noted.

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document QH, which outlines the working principles that are being considered in the development of Bradford’s formula funding arrangements for 2024/25 for the Schools and High Needs Blocks.

The Authority anticipates presenting consultation reports, for Schools Block and High Needs Block formula funding arrangements, to the Schools Forum at the next meeting, with these consultations being published immediately after. Responses to consultations are expected to be considered by the Forum at its December meeting. The Schools Forum will then be required to make its final recommendations on 2024/25 DSG and formula funding arrangements at its January 2024 meeting.

In support of these processes:

Forum Members are invited to (remotely) attend a ‘Formula Funding Working Group’ session, on Wednesday 27 September (8am) or Thursday 28 September (8am) or Tuesday 3 October (8am). As in previous years, these sessions will enable Forum Members to consider in more detail the impact of national formula funding decisions and to explore and guide the proposals for 2024/25 for Bradford’s Schools and High Needs Block formula funding arrangements that are anticipated will be set out for consultation in October.

The Authority will contact the District Achievement Partnership to arrange to discuss directly the proposals for the continuation of the EHCP Banded Model (the special school funding formula) for 2024/25.

Recommended –

(1)       The Schools Forum is asked to consider and to comment on the working principles.

(2)       Members are invited to attend a ‘Formula Funding Working Group’ session.

(3)       Members are asked for feedback on how best to communicate as early as possible this term with schools, academies and other providers about arrangements for 2024/25 (in advance of more formal consultation beginning in October).

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document QH, which outlined the working principles that are being considered in the development of Bradford’s formula funding arrangements for 2024/25 for the Schools and High Needs Blocks. He explained that the Authority anticipates presenting consultation reports, for Schools Block and High Needs Block formula funding arrangements, to the Schools Forum at the next meeting, with these consultations being published immediately after. In support of this, Forum Members are invited to (remotely) attend a ‘Formula Funding Working Group’ session, on Wednesday 27 September (8am) or Thursday 28 September (8am) or Tuesday 3 October (8am). As in previous years, these sessions will enable Forum Members to consider in more detail the impact of national formula funding decisions and to explore and guide the proposals for 2024/25. He explained that the Authority will contact the District Achievement Partnership to arrange to directly discuss the proposals for the continuation of the EHCP Banded Model (the special school funding formula).

Within his presentation, the Business Advisor highlighted the indicative initial modelling of the impact of potential formula funding proposals, and the growth in costs in the High Needs Block, on the 2024/25 DSG. He explained that this modelling, as a planning tool, helps to give sense of the level of “stress” that the 2024/25 DSG may come under. Our modelling, whilst still based on a series of early estimates (and prior to mitigation) currently indicates that we may overspend the 2024/25 DSG allocation by £15.25m, with £14.00m of this within the High Needs Block and £1.10m within the Early Years Block.

The Chair remarked again that this report provides very important background for the development of our formula funding arrangements for 2024/25 and for the beginning of our High Needs Block mitigation plan development.

An Academies Member asked for clarification on the impact of Census data-lag and whether the cost of this is negated by reducing pupil numbers. The Business Advisor explained that change in pupil numbers does not affect data-lag cost (as the Authority is funded in 2024/25 on October 2023 Census numbers, as are mainstream schools and academies). Data-lag cost is affected by changes in pupil circumstances and needs-led data between the annual October censuses, such as increases in Free School Meals.

Resolved –

(1)       That the information presented in Document QH be noted.

(2)       That Members be invited to attend a Formula Funding Working Group session.

The Business Advisor (Schools) will provide an update verbally on the current forecast for the High Needs Block and on the development of a strategic mitigation plan. In the May 2023 meeting, the Schools Forum resolved that a working subgroup of Forum members be convened at the point the Authority has developed a draft (or outline) of a strategic mitigation plan. The Authority indicated that work would begin over the summer, in the light of most recent growth data and following confirmation of the 2024/25 DSG High Needs Block settlement, and that we would expect to look to convene a subgroup from the beginning of the autumn term.

Forum members are asked to express their interest (or to confirm where they have previously expressed their interest) in sitting on the working sub-group.

Recommended –

(1)       The Schools Forum is asked to consider and to note the information presented.

(2)       Members are invited to express their interest in sitting on the working sub-group.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) provided an update verbally on the current forecast for the High Needs Block and on the development of a strategic mitigation plan. He explained that, in the May 2023 meeting, the Schools Forum resolved that a working subgroup of Forum members be convened at the point the Authority has developed a draft (or outline) of a strategic mitigation plan. The Authority indicated that work would begin over the summer, in the light of most recent growth data and following confirmation of the 2024/25 DSG High Needs Block settlement, and that we would expect to look to convene a subgroup from the beginning of the autumn term.

Forum members were asked to express their interest (or to confirm where they have previously expressed their interest) in sitting on the working sub-group. We anticipate convening this sub-group shortly.

The Business Advisor then also reported the following:

·         The 2024/25 DSG settlement is now known, and this does not fundamentally alter our previous High Needs Block forecasts i.e. actual income for 2024/25 is consistent with our previous estimates.

·         As we have included in the previous agenda item, we forecast that, prior to additional (noting that we are already taking action)mitigation, and assuming the continuation of existing spending growth rates, we may overspend our 2024/25 High Needs Block by £14m. It should the noted that this is a rough working estimate, that will develop and change. On the same basis, extending our estimates for a further year, it is forecasted that our High Needs Block may overspend by £22m in 2025/26. On this basis, our High Needs Block account, and then most likely our full DSG account, may be in deficit at the end of the 2025/26 financial year. This is similar to (a little worse than) the position that we outlined to the Forum when we presented our DSG Management Plan in January 2023. This position will be discussed in greater detail with the working sub-group.

·         Members will recall that we have made a £0.920m investment in inclusion from the High Needs Block, with the continuation of this investment to be reviewed. The Authority, in outline, has determined that this investment is having impact, some of which will take further time to develop, and that this investment should continue, especially as it is in keeping the direction of travel of the national SEND Review and the DfE’s guidance to authorities about investing in inclusion strategies. This will be discussed in greater detail with the working sub-group.

·         From our review work, it is clear that the Authority is already taking mitigating action and already has in place many of the strategic actions that the DfE has identified and is progressing in working with the Safety Value / Delivering Better Value local authorities (the authorities currently in deficit, where the DfE has intervened, including to provide additional funds). The Authority has begun to outline actions that could (though not necessary would, assessing the knock-on implications) be taken in seeking to manage  ...  view the full minutes text for item 715.

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document QI, which outlines the School Forum’s 2023/24 Academic Year work programme.

Recommended –

The Forum is asked to note the proposed programme and to consider whether any additional items should be added.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document QI, which outlined the School Forum’s 2023/24 Academic Year work programme.

Members had no comments and did not ask any questions.

Resolved –

That the information presented in Document QI be noted.

Updates on the following Forum standing items will be provided verbally where these have not been covered within other agenda items:

·         Schools Forum membership

·         Update from the High Needs Block Steering Group

·         Update from the Schools Financial Performance Group (SFPG)

·         Update on School / Academy Budgets

·         Update from the Early Years Working Group (EYWG)

·         Update from the Formula Funding Working Group (FFWG)

·         Update on Primary School Places

·         Update on Academies & Free Schools

The Forum is asked to note the information provided.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

No matters were raised, and no resolutions were passed on this item.

No resolutions were passed on this item.

Members will be asked for any additional items of business, for consideration at a future meeting.

No matters were raised, and no resolutions were passed on this item.

No resolutions were passed on this item.

Please see the published schedule of meetings – the next Forum meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 11 October 2023 (City Hall).

Please note that the planned dates of meetings for the 2023/24 academic year are as follows:

·         Wednesday 13 September 2023, 8am (Remote)

·         Wednesday 11 October 2023, 8am (City Hall)

·         Wednesday 6 December 2023, 8am (Remote)

·         Wednesday 10 January 2024, 8am (City Hall)

·         Wednesday 17 January 2024, 8am Provisional Meeting (City Hall)

·         Wednesday 6 March 2024, 8am (Remote)

·         Wednesday 22 May 2024, 8am (Remote)

·         Wednesday 10 July 2024, 8am (Remote)

(a) Denotes an item for action (including where a formal view or recommendation is required).

(i)  Denotes an item for information.

Signposting of High Needs Information

As per the schedule presented on 14 October 2020, “Forum members are expected to access ‘outside of the Forum meetings’ wider SEND information that is presented to other groups and that is already published, including information presented to the SEND Partnership. The Authority will signpost this information (webpage links) for Forum members at the bottom of agendas.”

SEND Partnership Board (minutes of meetings):

https://localoffer.bradford.gov.uk/coproduction--feedback/send-strategic-partnership-board-

Please see the published schedule of meetings – the next Forum meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 11 October 2023.

Note:    These minutes are subject to approval as a correct record at the next meeting of the Forum.

THESE MINUTES HAVE BEEN PRODUCED, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, ON RECYCLED PAPER