To approve the High Needs Budget for 2024/25 as recommended by Schools Forum.

That the Forum:

a)    Notes the High Needs forecast outturn position for 2023/24;

b)    Notes the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocation for 2024/25 for the Schools, High Needs and Early Years blocks:

c)    Considers the recommendations of the Budget Working Group (BWG) held on 11 March 2024; and

d)    Recommends a High Needs Budget of £29.7 million for 2024/25 for approval by the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People as set out in Appendix 1, noting the funding gap in 2024/25 of £6.5 million.

1.    The Budget Working Group (BWG) has been consulted on the proposed budget plan and options considered are included at Appendix 2. The Children and Families Act (2014) requires the council to ensure that the needs of pupils are met and the council is required to adhere to the Department for Education (DfE) prescribed arrangements for school and Local Authority as set out in regulations. No alternative options were identified.