Issue - meetings

Forum members noted that the report provided an update on Growth Funding with the guidance issued alongside the Falling Rolls guidance. The report was mainly for information only and no decisions were required at present.

The Growth Funding contained within the Schools Block included an amount per new primary and secondary pupil, subject to an area cost adjustment. The DfE Growth fund was an element of the overall DSG allocation, and although the funding stayed within the Schools Block it was not necessarily used just for growth, but also bulge classes.

The Head of Finance (CEF) informed members that the guidance contained within the current report did not really have an impact at present as the Growth Funding would still be received as usual, although the rates have changed. Members would be advised in January as to which schools would qualify for Growth and Bulge Class funding. The allocation of Bulge Class funding may also need to be discussed by the Schools’ Forum at the January meeting.

RESOLVED: That the guidance from the DfE on the Growth Grant Funding element of the DSG be noted.