Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services.

Members considered a report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services on the City Premium Grant 2022/23 and the Allocation Update to Academies.

Following a question, it was explained that the risk of not agreeing the phased in figures for the City Premium Grant is that some academies would not have the funds for “additionalities” or enrichment activities. These activities benefit all pupils, but are particularly beneficial for disadvantaged children, who otherwise might not get the opportunity to participate in such activities.

It was also explained that a risk of not allowing the delegation of authority to the Chair and Strategic Education and Skills Director is that there would be a delay of the implementation of staff and programs.

In response to a question, it was confirmed that strategic priorities could continue over a number of years, if necessary.

Members noted that schools would now only have a short time to plan their budget before the next school year. It was agreed that this would be difficult, but it was hoped that in the future schools would plan the following school year’s budget in advance of December.

The Board discussed the impact of inflation on the City Premium Grant. It was suggested that an inflation matrix should be included in future reports.

RESOLVED - That Members:

a)    Agree the phased in figures for the City Premium Grant: Disadvantaged Pupils Grant (as outlined in the chart in Appendix Two) rather than the amounts calculated solely based on Pupil Premium numbers for the academies.

b)    Enable delegated authority to the Chair and Strategic Education and Skills Director to form a grants panel to examine the applications for the City Premium Grant: Partnerships Grant; and the City Premium Grant: Strategic Grant and to make the grants accordingly to the schools.