Agenda item

The proposed transfer from Schools Block to High Needs Block had been discussed previously by Schools Forum and the issue had been consulted upon before the Autumn half-term 2019. 

Schools Forum NOTED the response rate to the consultation which had been good, and that 26 (84% of the response) schools were in favour of Option 2. 

The reason for the request made this year was the same as the previous year, in order to reduce in-year pressures on the High Needs Block.

Cate Duffy informed the meeting that if the transfer had not been approved by Schools Forum the LA had planned to apply to the DfE to action the transfer.  However, the ESFA had advised of additional funding of approximately £2 million to ease the pressure on the High Needs Block which it was hoped would contain the Block in a balanced figure for 2020-21. 

The LA anticipated the High Needs Block overspend for the current financial year would be in the region of £4 million, the following year was predicted to be £3 million, without the additional funding.  Taking that funding into account the overspend would be approximately £1 million: these figures would be clearer for the Schools Forum meeting due to be held in January 2020.  It was pointed out there would still be a deficit even with a transfer from Schools Forum.

Schools Forum REJECTED the transfer application of 0.5% from Schools Block to the High Needs Block and UPHELD the outcome of the consultation.

It was confirmed that the LA would not apply to the DfE for this decision to be overturned.

The Chair thanked LA representatives for the information and explanations provided.