Agenda item

Lisa Potts introduced the report (Agenda Item 9), which provided an overview of the Education Services budget, which had been requested at a previous meeting. The quarter one outturn showed an overspend of £287,710, with savings in home-to-school transport due to an increase in this budget in the current year. Lisa Potts cautioned that figures might change in quarter two due to pupil movements in September, such as transitions to secondary school.

Pressures were identified in Management and Strategy due to efficiency targets and also the inability to trade with the Educational Psychology Service. Lisa Potts pointed out a notable change in the disabled children’s budget, much of which had been transferred to Children’s Services at the end of the previous year. The remaining budget related to short breaks for disabled children.

Neil Goddard added that the report aimed to provide a broader understanding of the overall education budget with home to school transport making up a significant portion. Home to school transport remained a concern due to the historical overspend in this area and it was hoped that there would be a clearer picture of the position in the next three to four months.

Neil Goddard reported that a substantial recruitment effort had taken place in recent weeks, including appointments for interim Head of SEND, Head of Commissioning, Head of Early Years, and a potential offer for the Principal Improvement Advisor post. He noted that these additions were expected to improve service responsiveness. Regarding the Educational Psychology Service, although a Principal and Senior Educational Psychologist had been appointed, many vacancies remained and would continue to be managed.

Neil Goddard confirmed that the LA’s budget planning for the next financial year was underway and updates would be provided to the Forum on next year’s budget along with necessary actions that needed to be taken. Like all LAs, West Berkshire Council was having to manage significant budget pressure and Education Services had a part to play in addressing these.

Jacquie Davies raised a comment regarding the home to school transport budget. She expressed interest in being involved in any analysis of the underspend, citing her concerns about the impact of transport funding on children’s education. Neil Goddard commented that it was important to note the substantial increase in the home to school transport budget compared to the previous year, alongside efforts to improve contract efficiency. He highlighted the importance of using the budget to support early help and intervention, ensuring that spending was targeted and effective. Neil Goddard welcomed Jackie Davies’ input and stated that a clearer picture would emerge in two to three months once the September intake had been fully processed.

RESOLVED that the Schools’ Forum noted the report.