Agenda item

The report was to consult with Schools Forum on the 2016/17 High Needs Block.

It was noted that the rationale for the allocation of the High Needs Block is unchanged and that the total High Needs budget is £21.595 million. This includes SBC’s PFI contribution of £309k and an additional £380k from the centrally retained Schools’ Block DSG as previously agreed by Schools Forum. This was a one -off allocation of £190k previous underspend and an annual change of £190k.

Centrally retained budgets were set out in Appendix A and Appendix B. It was noted that the Cambridge Education items would be operated on a pro rata basis to the end of September.  It was clarified that centrally retained budgets identified as being allocated to schools would be for the full year.

It was agreed there would be an item on the Schools Forum October agenda to update further. Krutika Pau reported that the LA is working closely with the Trust and the DfE to ensure a seamless transition at the end of the Cambridge Education contract.

Debbie Richards raised the allocation to SALT. It was noted that an update would come to Schools Forum in July regarding all centrally retained budgets.

Robin Crofts mentioned that a review of the High Needs Block was needed including with the Trust to look at pressures.

It was noted that an issue to be raised in the DfE national funding formula (High Needs) was the increasing pressure on budgets and the use of retrospective figures which exacerbates this.