Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd November 2022, attached.

RESOLVED: that the minutes for the Forum meeting on 23 November 2022  be approved as a correct record.

To consider a briefing paper giving an update on DFE/ESFA funding announcements.

The Forum received and noted a briefing paper detailing updates on the Provisional National Funding Formula announcement and additional support.  The paper details additional funding being release by central government for the Mainstream Schools Grant 2023-2024 and school capital Funding.

To consider the 2023-24 Schools Revenue Funding Arrangements and Dedicated Schools Grant.

Please note that due the complexity of the various modelling scenarios and the lateness of the settlement release by the DfE papers detailing options and information have been circulated for the Forum meeting, apologies for any inconvenience. 

The Forum considered a paper detailing the 2023-2024 revenue funding arrangement and the dedicated schools grant.

The Forum reviewed a number of local adjustments given to Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schools, growing schools and a requested transfer to the Central School Services Block, required because of reduced central funding. 

Upon being put to the vote the Forum agreed to the local adjustments for the PFI schools of £738,900, Growth Funding of £462,000, £160,000 for school improvements and the requested transfer to the Central School Services Block of £186,000. 

The Forum then reviewed the shortfall generated by the local adjustments.  The papers set out scenarios of how the potential shortfall might be addressed and the Forum discussed them. The methodology of maintaining  the Minimum Funding Guarantee 0.5%, and reducing AWPU Primary Schools  and reducing AWPU Secondary Schools was considered. Upon being put to the vote it was agreed that in addressing any shortfall, the differing balances between secondary and primary schools should be taken into account.  The Forum sought to weight in favour of primary schools and that officers would use this principle when finalising the submission to the Department for Education.

A briefing paper informing the Forum in regard to specialist provision of SEND for Early Years Provision.

The Forum  noted a paper detailing potential future arrangements for regard to specialist provision of SEND for Early Years Provision.

To consider any additional items and note the date of forthcoming meetings

Day and Date:  Wednesday 22 March 2023

Time:  3:45pm for 4:00pm start

Venue:  Virtual

The Forum noted an additional paper reviewing the funding and support for pupils with additional needs in Southampton mainstream schools and setting.

It was noted that Southampton City Council was seeking to strengthen inclusive practice in its mainstream schools and settings and to ensure that its mainstream offer is high quality and consistently good. As part of this process, it wants to review the way in which the sector is funded and supported. 

The Forum were informed that following the review the findings and recommendations would be shared with them a future date.