NEWSLETTER 22 – January 2018

The School Forum who are they and what do they do click here for further information

Apologies there were not a Newsletter issued after the December 2017 meeting – please refer to the Council Web-site for full details of the reports and the public minutes.

In this issue, we are including key points from the Schools Forum meeting held on 25 January 2018 particularly; Schools Funding Settlement 2018/19, Annual Pro-forma Toolkit return to DfE, 201819 Budget update and DSG Review Group. A full copy of the minutes will be made available via the Council web-site in due course, see section 7 below.

Schools Forum Meeting 25 January 2018 – Key Points

1. Matters Arising from 7 December 2017 Meeting minutes

A discussion took place in relation to the “disappointment” expressed from the secondary sector colleagues that the new Laurus Trust Free Schools now confirmed for opening in September 2018 were not included in the original formula modelling figures included in the Schools’ Financial Consultation last term. The impact of which was that the headroom monies available within the schools’ block of funding for distribution to schools had now been reduced.

The secondary sector representatives indicated that the former vote on the 0.5% transfer from the schools’ block to the high needs block may have been different if all information had been known. The Service Director for Education outlined the LA would have taken such matter to the Secretary of State if Schools’ Forum approval had not have been granted.

 

School Balances – The secondary representatives re-enforced the discussion at the previous meeting in relation to the level of concern in relation to the rate at which school balances have reduced in recent years due to requirements to utilise to support their current budgets.

National Funding

The implementation of the NFF models for determining the DSG block allocations to local authorities had still not addressed the financial difficulties facing schools (i.e. real term cost pressures exceeding funding) or the inequalities of  authorities/schools with similar pupil/demographic characteristics receiving different levels of funding. Cllr Fitzpatrick and LA officers outlined that lobbying of government on these key issues would be ongoing and a F40 conference is being held in March which Stockport will be represented at and will feedback accordingly in due course.

 

2. SCHOOLS FUNDING SETTLEMENT 2018/19

Report presented as tabled

Discussion:

Headteacher representatives sought information as to how the new School Improvement and Brokering grant would be deployed. Funding will in the main be used to support interventions and strategies for schools identified in an Ofsted category or an LA school causing concern along with school to school support programs. Further update / spend plan details to be provided to members in due course.

Headteacher also sought further information on the primary/secondary split of deployment of the £25m capital investment fund.

Decisions: N/A.

 

Actions:

1. Schools’ Forum members to note the report.

3. 2018/19 ANNUAL PRO-FORMA TOOLKIT RETURN

Report presented as tabled

Discussions:

N/A

Decisions:

            N/A

Actions:

1. Schools’ Forum members to note the report

4. 2018/19 SCHOOLS BUDGET UPDATE

Report presented as tabled

Discussions:

A short discussion took place in relation to the request for a DSG financial contribution to the Safeguarding Board as outlined in the report and in relation to the level of LA maintained specialist place provision (Appendix 1 & 2) and the increasing position of general demand for SEN provision increasing at a higher rate than the local pupil population.

Decisions: N/A

Actions:

1. Schools’ Forum members approved the updated resource allocations for the CSSB as detailed in the table at section 6.3; and
2. Schools’ Forum members to note the report.

5. DSG REVIEW

Report presented as tabled

Discussions:

Discussion focused on ensuring all sector groups are represented (including primary and secondary special school reps) on the group and that works/dialogue needs to begin as soon as 18/19 budget preparations completed.

Danny Pearson offered used of the Aquinas College conference room.

Decisions:

Schools’ Forum representatives to discuss with wider sector colleagues and determine appropriate people to attend.

PH to finalise date and inform members asap.

Actions:

1. PH set up initial meeting;
2. SF reps determine appropriate membership.
3. Schools’ Forum members to note the report.

6. SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS/TRAINING

Report presented as tabled

 

Discussions:

Jo Lowe new Academy representative has discussed with PH training/induction opportunities. PH discussed with group whether any new SF members would be interested

Headteacher representative raised query in relation to tracking/identifying previous reports presented to Forum and/or forward planning items.

Decisions: N/A

 

Actions:

1. PH to speak with Jo Lowe, Paul Towey and Vicky Walker further and arrange induction/training as appropriate.
2. PH to provide working paper illustrating reports presented to Forum each year to members for information.

7. Where do I find Schools Forum Information?

 

The Schools Forum meetings are held, administered and clerked in accordance with any other council meetings and the minutes are recorded and presented on the councils web-site alongside all Schools Forum business matters (i.e. reports), please find link below:

http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeId=159