This week I chaired the Leeds School Forum again. This group of headteachers, governors and senior council officers has an overview of education funding and budgets across the city. Once again, Leeds is missing out on £2million of funding for SEND next financial year as a result of a ‘cap on gains’ as we move excruciatingly slowly towards full implementation of the national funding formula for schools. Over the past 5 years, I think this cap has cost Leeds about £20 million in lost funding and no one in central government seems too bothered about it. Projecting forward is difficult at any time, but budgets in schools are certainly being challenged by energy costs, inflation generally and the likely pay deals expected for teachers and support staff: all of which are unfunded and above what might have been expected when budgets were set. I would write to the education minister again, but it’s changed so many times this year that I am not sure who it is now and I doubt that they would know what I was writing about. Surely some stability and expertise is needed at the top?
Tonight my U11 football team play their first match of the season. We have a dozen games booked in already and there is lots of excitement in school. I am delighted that we will have 4 competitive football teams running this year as well as lots of other sporting opportunities such as dodge ball last week and an inclusive sports event a few days ago. We also had lots of children competing in the first Saturday cross country event of the season last Saturday at Middleton Park. Hundreds of children were there and well done to all our children for their fabulous efforts.
