Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed members to the meeting of the Schools Forum.

To report any apologies for absence or substitutions.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Jo Lowe, Danny Pearson, Eleanor Losse, Councillor Colin Foster and Damian Cunningham

To record any observers present.

It was reported that the following was in attendance as an observer:-

A reporter from Manchester Evening News/Stockport Express.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 2019.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 23 May 2019 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To discuss any matters arising.

Peter Hughes confirmed that an update would be provided later in the meeting in respect to the DSG review.

In respect to minute 7 School Places – further discussions had taken place via the SMP board and additional information will hopefully be available early in the new academic year and in respect to Minute11 School Insurance Scheme – An update would be provided at the September 2019 meeting on the matters arising.

In respect to the Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS) – training would be provided for Governors at the annual session on 30 September 2019 from 6.00-7.30pm and a separate training session for new governors sitting on Finance Committee (which would also be open to Head Teachers) would take place through a series of workshops to be held on 16 October 2019. Further details would be circulated in the near future by the Governor Services Team.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer. (To Follow)

The report provides Schools’ Forum members with an executive summary report of the business matters included on the main agenda.

Schools’ Forum is recommended to note the executive summary and offer any views, comments and feedback to be considered for future executive summary reports.

Officer contact: Peter Hughes on 0161 474 3947 or email: peter.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary on the following issues:-

·         DFE SEND (Call for Evidence)

·         2021/21 Local Funding Formula (Primary)

·         DSG Review Update

·         Schools Forum Membership

·         Schedule of Meetings and Training

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director for Education.                             (To Follow)

A representative of the Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) call for evidence consultation which had been launched by the Department for Education. The consultation period concluded on 31 July 2019 and the findings were anticipated to be published later in the year.

It was agreed that a template of possible responses be circulated to all members and that all schools/institutions be encouraged to respond independently.

RESOLVED – That the report and proposed actions be noted.

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer.                                  (To Follow)

A representative of the Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had bene circulated) detailing the schools local funding formula model to be used to determine individual delegated budget share allocations for 2020/2021.

It was reported that the LA proposed no changes to the current arrangements which negated the requirements to undertake a formal consultation with schools and therefore was seeking the Schools’ Forum support to extend current arrangements for one more year.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the proposals detailed within the report be supported.

Alan Beswick and Bev Milway will attend the meeting and provide a verbal update.

A representative of the Borough Treasurer provided an update on the latest plans/developments to address the DSG budget sustainability issues specifically relating to the high needs block via the DSG Review Group.

RESOLVED – That the update be noted.

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer.                                  (To Follow)

A representative of the Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the current membership of the School’s Forum and the position in relation to vacancies.

Section 3.3 of the explained that Cllr Tom Morrison had replaced Councillor Malcolm Allen as the Local Authority representative and that Cllr Colin Foster was the new Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services which had absorbed the Education portfolio following a reorganisation of the Council’s Cabinet portfolios.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and that the primary and secondary reps be requested to give consideration to filling the Primary HT and Academy sector vacancies.

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer.

The report provides Schools’ Forum members with details of the calendar dates of meetings agreed for the 2018/19 academic year.

The report also provides Schools’ Forum members with the opportunity to request reports for future meetings and/or make amendments to the forward planner (Appendix 1). The report provides Schools’ Forum members with the opportunity to request any items for training/development sessions.

Schools Forum members are asked to:

I. Note the above report;

II. Request any reports for future meetings;

III. Note the academic year meeting dates provided.

IV. Discuss and propose any amendments to the forward planner; and

V. Request any items for training/development sessions.

Officer contact: Peter Hughes Tel 474 3947 Email: peter.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing members with dates of meetings for the 2019/20 academic year.

RESOLVED – That dates of future meetings be agreed as follows:-

Autumn Term:

Thursday 3 October 2019

Thursday 12 December 2019

Spring Term:

Tuesday 21 January 2020

Thursday 26 March 2020

Summer Term:

Thursday 21 May 2020

Thursday 9 July 2020

To discuss any other business.

Alan Beswick reported on the appointment of a new Interim Director of Education who would take up the position at the start of September 2020.

On behalf of the Schools Forum, the Chair thanks Alan for his hard work and dedication and wished him the best for the future.

To confirm the date of the next meeting.

It was noted that the next meeting would be held on Thursday 3 October 2019.