That:

Herefordshire’s school funding proposals for 2026/27 adopt the National Funding Formula (NFF) values and be approved by Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, as recommended by School’s Forum and set out in the report and as summarised in Appendix A.

1.              Herefordshire Council has fully implemented the National Funding Formula (NFF) methodology, so alternative options are limited. Given the growing national issue of High Needs Block (HNB) deficits, the NFF allows for the top slice of the funding blocks to redirect to the HNB. The Schools Block top slice for SEN Protection Scheme has ceased for 2026/27 as reported at the Schools Forum meeting on 11 July 2025, following recommendation from Budget Working Group (BWG) on the 27 June 2025.

2.              In considering the proposals set out in the report, the Council has consulted with Budget Working Group (BWG), schools and early years providers.