Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from J Bailey, E Benbow, C Handy-Rivett, D Irish, E Pate, B Patel and D Steen

Members to declare any interests in matters to be discussed at the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 12 December 2022 as a correct record.

In respect of Schools Funding Consultation 2023-24 – Response Results (minute no. 64/22) noting Question 2 “Please indicate the option you prefer to use for calculating pupil number growth fund?” It was requested that it be noted, that schools had been raising the issue of falling rolls for over a year and their concerns had not been appropriately addressed.

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 12 December 2022 be approved as a correct record.

To note the following named substitution: -

• M Salter as named substitute for S Bailey

Schools Forum noted the appointment of M Salter as the named substitute for J Bailey.

Schools Forum to note the report and approve the Capping and Scaling limits.

Schools Forum considered the funding allocations for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and the draft school budget information for 2023/24.

The report allowed school governing bodies and academy boards to start their financial planning for 2023/24 and to make appropriate structural and educational adjustments to meet the needs of young people within the constraints of the resource allocations.

The Department for Education (DfE) had announced the DSG allocations for 2023/24 and had detailed the allocations by block:

In addition to the main DSG, the government had also announced additional DSG allocation of £11.021m (called Mainstream Schools Additional Grant - MSAG) payable to mainstream schools. This replaced the School Supplementary Grant paid to schools in 2022/23. The distribution methodology and schools level allocation Forum noted would be announced in May 2023.

The 2023/24 Early Years Block allocations were indicative, and based on Schools, Early Years and Alternative Provision censuses data from January 2022. The final allocations for each of the funding streams would be based on five-twelfths of the January 2023 census numbers plus seven-twelfths of the January 2024 census numbers.

The High needs block allocations were provisional figures and would be updated in the year. The import/export adjustment would be updated in the summer term 2023 to reflect the latest data from the January 2023 schools census and the RO6 of the 2022 to 2023 Individual Learner Record (ILR). The DfE would make further adjustments in April 2023 to the place funding deductions for the academic year 2023 to 2024 to reflect the outcome of the 2023 to 2024 place change notifications process and to reflect further academy conversions.

Schools Budgets 2023/24

The Schools Block funding that had been distributed through the main funding formula was £321,063,416. This had been calculated as follows:

Schools Forum was advised that the school funding model would be submitted to meet the DfE deadline of 20 January 2023 for review and final confirmation of the budgets.

Proposed Formula

During the consultation there had been perceived issue regarding the EAL factor and clarification was sought from the DFE. Their response was as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5/23

Schools Forum to note the Pupil Number Growth funding for 2022-23 and the effects of the overspend on the 2023-24 Budget and approve the additional needs funding for each school as set out in the report.

Schools Forum noted the allocation of pupil number growth funding and considered the additional needs funding to schools experiencing pupil growth.

The updated budget position for Pupil Number Growth Funding for 2022/23 was shared with Schools Forum along with the implications for 2023/24:

Based on the growth numbers agreed with schools as part of the September 2022 intake, the following amounts were due to the schools listed below:

Sandwell had traditionally paid growth fund to schools identified as having unusually high number of pupils requiring additional needs.  This was based on the increases in IDACI and EAL numbers when compared with previous year’s October census.  Based on this methodology, the following schools would be entitled to “Additional Needs” growth funding:

Schools Forum was informed that Additional Needs growth funding had been made when there was enough pot of money in the Schools Budget including the growth fund to accommodate such initiative. Schools Forum understood from information provided that the growth fund would overspend this year which would impact on next year’s available budget.

Schools Forum was informed on the lack of the necessary funds to support the Additional Needs growth funding, and if it was agreed the impact it would have on the overspend.

Forum members questioned the implication of the decision to decline the Additional Needs growth funding and questioned why the decision was necessary at this time, highlighting the lack of certainty for schools.

Schools Forum moved to the vote and it was determined that Additional Needs growth funding be rejected.

Resolved that:-

The Additional Needs Funding for 2022-23 be rejected.

Schools Forum to note the report.

Schools Forum was advised of the closedown deadlines for maintained schools for the 2022/23 annual accounts. The Government deadline for local authorities to publish their audited accounts was July 2023. Whilst it was acknowledged that the schools Budget/Finance Officer may complete some of the tasks on the schools’ behalf it was the responsibility of the Head Teacher to ensure all tasks are completed and that deadlines for submissions are adhered to.

A summary of the critical deadlines had been shared with Schools Forum noting that deadlines were 1pm on:

•        10 February 2023 - Leasing returns

•        10 March 2023 – Timetable of Closedown Templates

•        3 April 2023 – Copy of Bank Statement

•        14 April 2023 – Year End Excel Closedown Template.

Due to an early Easter it was questioned if there was any leeway on the submission dates. It was however stated that the dates were fixed.

Schools Forum noted the report.

Schools Forum to note the report.

Schools Forum heard that the High Needs Block budget for 2022/23 reported to Schools Forum on 26 September was £60.808M, net of deductions. The balance bought forward as at 1 April 2022 was £3.930M surplus.

It was anticipated that in year surplus as at 31 August 2022 projected to 31 March 2023 based on the updated Grant that was previously reported to Schools Forums was £1.040M. The current position as at 30 November 2022 projected to 31 March 2023 was now an in-year deficit of £1.266M.

Officers reported on the variations to the High Needs Block and Schools Forum noted:

Variation 1 – Independent Schools

Out of borough placements, showed a budget pressure of £2.310M. This was an increase of £1.851M on previously reported figures following more pupils being placed in independent special and independent mainstream schools, due to a lack of provision available within Borough. The Placement and Provision Panel had been placing 2-3 pupils per week. Any agreed placements had been included in the forecast figures together with a contingency of £500K for additional SEN placements and £200K for tri-part funded placements agreed with Sandwell Social Care Trust for any placements during the Spring Term.

Variation 2 – Mainstream Schools

There had been an increase in both EHCP assessments and the funding of early years pupils which had resulted in a pressure of £683k in delegated funding to school for individual pupil support.

Variation 3 – Focus Provision Schools

There had been an increase in EHCP assessments which had resulted in a projected overspend of £175K on the delegated funding provided to Focus Provisions.

Variation 4 – SEN Special Unit

A new Special Unit had been agreed at Uplands Primary School.

Variation 5 – High Point Special School

There are more pupils on roll at High Point from 1 September 2022 than was anticipated when the budget was prepared. Therefore, there was a pressure of £186K.

Variation 6 – Early Years

An amount of £480k from the Early Years Grant was used to offset the early support for pupils in private provider settings and those in mainstream early years settings. Predicted costs in private provider settings has increased from £660K previously reported to £710K. The support for EYS pupils in mainstream schools was set against the schools’ delegation and not shown separately. The £480k would be insufficient to cover the full costs of meeting the needs of the pupils in the early years settings. There was a pressure of £230K against private providers alone.

Variation 7 – Recoupment

The Element 3 top up costs of pupils placed in Sandwell schools that are the responsibility of a neighbouring LA are funded by Sandwell for all pupils in the special schools and LAC pupils placed in mainstream schools. This was recouped from the relevant authority. There had been an increase in pupils being placed which had resulted in an increase in recoupment income, with Shenstone being the highest importer of pupils due mainly to the location of the school. 

Variation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8/23

Schools Forum to note the confirmation of 2022/23 DSG Allocation.

Also to note the Fair Funding Scheme Consultation.

Schools Forum noted the 2022/23 DSG Allocations.

Schools Forum heard that there was no major announcements with regards to the Fair Funding Formula, if any change was being considered, it was noted that if a change was being considered schools would be consulted. 

Schools Forum extended its thanks to Moira Talents who had announced she was leaving Sandwell Council, and wished her all the best for the future.