Agenda item

The report sought approval from Schools Forum to the funding mechanism and criteria for the Growth Fund for 2016 /17 (a budget allocation of £1.25m was agreed previously for 2016-17).

It was clarified that funding would be based on the Basic Entitlement (AWPU) values in place for 15/16.

It was noted that the criteria for the Growth Fund has only been applied to primary schools thus far as this was where the need was, but the funding is not phase specific and there is now a pressure on places for Years 9, 10 and 11. Criteria for planned growth or bulge classes and additional pupils above PAN are applicable for both primary and secondary schools. 

It was also noted that funding for academies spans two Growth Fund years and that, where possible, children would be placed in maintained schools to avoid higher costs.

It was noted that there is an issue with funding of academies between April and August as the Education Funding Agency (EFA) funds academies from April to August in arrears.  The time to claim this funding is January each year at budget build time via the APT.  Any decisions to create places after this date cannot be recouped from the EFA.  Therefore, the Growth Fund would also fund this period for academies. 

The criteria, as set out in paragraph 5, were approved.

It was agreed that Tony Madden would circulate an appendix to the report setting out the financial details.