Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed Members to this virtual meeting of the Schools Forum.

To report any apologies for absence or substitutions.

Apologies for absence were received from Ian Irwin, Councillor Tom Morrison, Councillor Becky Senior.

To record any observers present.

There were no observers present.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2020.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 21^st January 2020 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To discuss any matters arising.

A representative of the Borough Treasurer reported that matters relating to Agenda Item 7 ‘Free School Meals’ would be followed up with the benefits team.

A schedule relating to Permanently Excluded Pupils was currently being worked on and would be finalised in the next few weeks.

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services.

The report presents Schools’ Forum members with the initial findings and recommendations of the dedicated schools grant (DSG) review. 

Schools’ Forum members are asked to:

      i.        Note the report

    ii.        Offer any further comments

Officer contact Bev Milway on 0161 218 1785 or email: bev.milway@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided Schools’ Forum members with the initial findings and recommendations of the dedicated schools grant (DSG) review. 

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         A representative of the Director of Children’s Services thanked School Leaders for their contribution to the DSG Review, on an ongoing basis.

·         A short discussion took place relating to the speech and language action plan.

·         A concern was raised relating to what assurances there would be that SEND money would be sustained in future years once resources that are currently used are no longer available to the same extent.

·         Members of the Forum asked what plans there were for PRU provision in other areas of the Borough.  In response, the Forum was advised that a verbal update on this would be provided at the July meeting.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To discuss any other business.

There was no other business.

The next meeting (likely to be a “virtual” meeting) will be held on Thursday 9 July 2020 and will cover all Schools’ Forum matters planned for the scheduled meetings in March and May subsequently cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The next meeting of the Schools’ Forum is to be held on 9 July 2020.