Decision details

To set out the planned schools funding formula for 2023-24.

(1)  To follow the formula set out in the report, adopting the new methodology of the National Funding Formula (NFF) and to utilise the factor values provided by the Department for Education (DFE), providing the resources are available.

(2)  To agree that should resources not allow the funding of the formula factors in full that a proportionate reduction of all factors is made to reduce the allocations to fit the resources available.

(3)  Not to introduce a change to the notional SEN allocation.

(4)  Not to introduce a falling rolls factor.   

The Local Authority is continuing to mirror the National Funding Formula (NFF) as prescribed by the Department for Education (DFE).  This approach has been followed for several years in line with the desires of both maintained schools and academies.

The approach will ensure that school funding allocations are as close to the NFF as possible so that when the DFE takes control of the formula decisions, (DFE plans suggest 2024-25 financial year), the schools allocations from local decision-making will not be significantly different thus avoiding turbulence in school budgeting.

There are many options available to allocate funding to schools and the Schools Forum discussed the strategy of following the National Funding Formula on several occasions.

As part of that strategy several options for the allocation of the resources to schools were considered prior to the consultation of schools on the proposals in the report.  Several alternatives were set out in the schools consultation paper.