Decision details

There are two elements to this decision:

1.  Schools Block funding formula 2018/19

The council is responsible for deciding on a local schools funding formula for 2018/19, in order to distribute the Schools Block funding of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) to all maintained schools and academies.

The total Schools Block funding allocated to Leeds for 2018/19 is approximately £499m. The funding formula will allocate this to all maintained schools and academies in Leeds for their pre-16 pupils.

2.  Transfer between funding blocks of the Dedicated Schools Grant

A decision is also required on the transfer of approximately £500k in 2018/19 from the Central Schools Services Block to the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant.

The Central Schools Services Block funds local authorities for the statutory duties they hold for both maintained schools and academies. There is likely to be an underspend against the central schools services block which will allow us to transfer funding to the High Needs block to address pressures in this area.

The Director of Children and Families approved the proposed funding formula for 2018/19 which moves as close as possible to the National Funding Formula, and the transfer of £500k from the Central Schools Services Block to the High Needs Block of the 2018/19 Dedicated Schools Grant.

The consultation has been carried out in line with the requirements of the Education and Skills Funding Agency. Detailed information about the local funding formula options and the transfer between the DSG funding blocks were provided to all schools and briefing sessions were also held. Schools were asked to vote on the proposals and Leeds Schools Forum has subsequently also been consulted and has voted on the proposals.

All Leeds maintained schools and academies

Leeds Schools Forum

Executive Member for Children and Families