Agenda item

The Chair invited Susan Woodland to take the meeting through her report.

The National Funding Formula (NFF) had not yet been fully introduced, reaching approximately 85% at this time. 

It was confirmed there had been a 2% increase in per pupil-led funding, but that amount might not be evidenced in school budgets until the Regulations changed in line with NFF.  The NFF was still predicated on this year’s pupil numbers as per the October 2019 census.

The per pupil funding in the local formula had increased to a minimum of £4,180 per primary pupil and £5,215 per secondary.

The MFG had to be set between +0.5% and 2.0% and there was no change to area cost adjustments.

It was confirmed that the DfE’s Universal Catch-Up funding premium (£80 per pupil mainstream, £240 per pupil special, AP and hospital) was to be paid in three installments during the current year only.  The first payment had just been received, based on the October 2019 census figures.  At this time, it was unknown when the third tranche would be paid. In addition, £350m was being made available through the National Tutoring Programme for additional targeted support.

Historically, the Central Schools Block funding had been reduced by 20%: this had little effect on Slough because, further to moving the Virtual School, the only commitment now was to the Safeguarding Board. However, there was a deficit.

Teachers’ pay and pension grants were to be included in the DSG as the additional teachers’ pension funding was to be added to the Central Block but as yet no timeline had been issued. The DSG would be adjusted during the year.

There would be an increase in High Needs, with the Borough receiving 8-12%, equating to approximately £2.4m.  This amount would include an adjustment for pupils supported out of borough.

There were no major updates for Early Years, apart from the Maintained Nursery Schools (MNS) sum was to continue.

An Operational Guide was expected in the Autumn and, as soon as the information was received, it would be shared with Schools Forum members.

Some values had increased but banding criteria had changed.

9.15am: Johnny Kyriacou joined the meeting

It was pointed out that when criteria and bands had changed previously it had detrimentally affected those schools with disadvantaged students and it was queried whether a further impact was anticipated on any individual schools. 

9.20am Jamie Rockman and Angela Mellish joined the meeting

This was acknowledged but with additionality and the minimum funding guarantee, losses should be minimised.  There had not been any implication of changes being made to the MFG with per pupil funding having increased over the past few years and there was no indication protection elements would be removed. More information would be available when the new IDACI was used from the new APT. It was agreed it would be important for the Task Group to consider further and focus on impact.

In answer to a question, Susan Woodland confirmed that the consultation would be shared during the current term and noted it would be helpful to consider when it was to be shared with schools in order to allow sufficient time for response.  The proposed dates would be shared with the Task Group.

At the current time the maintained nursery school supplementation funding was only being made available to the end of the Summer term 2021 and further information was awaited.  As noted, the Operational Guide, which would give more detail, was expected to be released imminently.  Three local nurseries were in deficit and it was confirmed there would be further discussions with schools when the Guide became available.  It was planned to be able to report back at the next Schools Forum meeting. 

Michael Jarrett confirmed that SBC had raised this issue with the DfE, outlining concerns about the sustainability of nurseries.  The outcome of the comprehensive funding review was awaited and it was pointed out that Slough had managed to maintain their network of five nurseries: this had not been the case in a number of LAs as this was a national issue. It was acknowledged some uncertainty remained around MNS.

The Chair thanked Susan Woodland for her comprehensive report, noting that this information would support the discussions to be taken on Schools and High Needs Blocks.