The Department for Education has published guidance10 which sets out that evidence of pupil yields from housing developments should be based on up-to-date evidence from previous housing developments. The supplementary guidance titled ‘Estimating Pupil Yield from Housing Development’11 acknowledges that there are multiple ways in which local authorities estimate pupil yield from housing.

In August 2023, the Department for Education published pupil yield data for all local authorities in England. Given that this is the most up to date evidence currently available, this will be used to calculate the estimated number of pupils to arise from new housing development. However, pupil yields will be updated as this is refreshed. Furthermore, this will also be updated where more evidence is gathered locally.

As such, education contributions will be calculated using the following formula:

Estimated pupil yield per school phase = Total number of property type12 x pupil yield13 (calculation is undertaken for each property type) Estimated net pupil need = Estimated pupil yield per educational phase – forecast available places14 Total cost per educational phase = Estimated net pupil need per education phase x build costs15 Total contribution = sum of total costs per educational phase

Applications for Forest School sessions on the wider council estate are becoming very popular by nurseries and educational establishments. Although they are accepted as providing a unique opportunity for outdoor learning, they can place increased pressure on habitat and wildlife. It is therefore important that opportunities are taken to provide Forest School sessions within the educational establishments themselves.