Agenda and minutes

Apologies had been received from Karl Landrum, Nigel Hunt, Heather Austin and Anne Simmons.

The Forum received the Schools Block Funding Formula for 2020-21.

It was reported that the Schools Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant was ring fenced and Local Authorities were required to fully devolve this block to their mainstream primary and secondary schools/academies.  The only exception was where a request is made to transfer funds to the High Needs Block; which was not required for 2020-21. 

Members were advised that the Council had moved to the National Funding Formula (NFF) in 2018-19 and officers had consulted schools on their recommendation to remain on this formula.  The report outlined the funding factors and criteria for each.  The report also discussed the Minimum level of per pupil funding (MPPF); the Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG); and de-delegation of funding.  

Further to the consultation, (from 12 to 26 November 2019), 22 responses were received to the following questions: 

1.     Do you agree that we continue to adopt the NFF method, principles and rules for the funding formula to be applied to primary and secondary schools and academies for 2020-21?

All schools responded positively with no comments.

2.     Do you agree to Schools Forum determining the level of the Minimum Funding Guarantee at the January meeting?

21 schools responded positively with no comments.

The Forum noted the consultation responses and Officers responded to Forum Members’ queries on the information provided in the report.  The Forum was requested to support the continuation of the National Funding Formula methods, principles and rules for mainstream primary and secondary funding allocations for 2020-21; this was unanimously agreed.

RESOLVED:  That Schools Forum supports the continuation of the National Funding Formula methods, principles and rules for mainstream primary and secondary funding allocations for 2020-21.