Agenda item

9a

This section replaces the items for decision, in order to give members a broad overview of the progress of government funding reforms which have been disrupted and delayed by the change of ministers following the European Referendum. 

Consultations and announcements

IH introduced the table tracking the various government announcements and consultations since the beginning of 2016.  Government plans have been put back a year with the National Funding Formula now scheduled for April 2018.

NT asked about the Central Block originally proposed by the DfE.  CB said that LAs were required to submit a ‘baseline’ statement showing their expenditure budget for 2016/17 on the four blocks.  The expectation was that these would become ringfenced when the national funding formula was introduced.  The central block will not now be introduced in 2017 and blocks will not be ringfenced – although the Schools Forum must be told if there is a plan to use one block for another purpose so they can challenge the proposal if necessary.

CB added that none of the funding announcements made so far have been negative for Barnet and indeed there will be a large increase in the early years block which will be passed on to providers.

9b

2017/18 DSG Projections and Pressures

IH introduced the item.  SH asked for clarification about EHCPs for Post 16 students.  IH said the changes were that a) high needs students in college must now have an EHCP and b) Post 19 students continue to have an EHCP until they are 25.

SH also asked about the consultation on the LA funding free schools in the first year of opening.  CB explained that LA funding is based on lagged numbers and funding for additional pupils is therefore not received until the following year.  VW added that where new free schools are set up to meet basic need, it is fair that Barnet should pay from the start, but it could be a drain on the whole school community if new free schools were opened to meet parental preference only.

DJ asked what calls there have been on contingencies so far.  CP said more information would be provided at the next meeting.

9c

APT modelling

CP introduced the paper which described the technical changes the EFA are making in the wake of the problems caused by the updated IDACI index.  In December, the Schools Forum will be presented with options for adjusting the funding formula using the EFA’s new IDACI bands, with the overall aim of avoiding turbulence for schools.

9c

Early years Consultations

IH introduced the paper explaining that LAs must consult on amendments to their local early years formulae before the outcome of the government consultation is known.  Barnet’s consultation with all providers will be launched shortly so that results will be known in time to set the budget for 2017/18.  DD added that the consultation has been kept as simple as possible to ensure as many providers as possible respond.  She also clarified the figure of 6956 pupils on page 31 which includes eligible 4 year olds in Reception classes.

JD felt that the centrally provided support visits should be clarified and quantified.  DD said that visits were allocated on need, typically after change of management at a setting, so it is difficult to quantify the service to individual settings.

DD reported that Barnet has applied for capital funding for 4 projects to help meet the increase to 30 hours for children of working parents.

There was a discussion on the practicalities for delivering the 30 hour entitlement, which can be taken across more than one provider.  DD said that it is not yet clear which settings will be offering the extended hours and confirmed that some may offer fewer 30 hour places than available for 15 hours.    The 6 pilot LAs only started operating from September so there is little feedback as yet.  Similarly the national eligibility checking system is not yet clear, although DD said it would be for the LA to cover any cost. 

Members felt that the 25p per hour which could be delegated to providers for central services seems low. 

DD outlined a plan to incentivise the 30 hour provision with a lump sum paid to settings - 50% in advance and the remainder once the extended offer is in place.   This would be intended to cover the cost of marketing and recruitment.

The consultation would begin in the next few days and run for 5 weeks so results will be known by the time of the next Schools Forum meeting.