Agenda and minutes

The Chair, Emma Hill, welcomed members to this meeting of Schools’ Forum.

To report any apologies for absence or substitutions.

Apologies for absence were received from Bev Millway, Councillor Kate Butler and Frances Conway.

To record any observers present.

There were no observers in attendance.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 19 January 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 19 January 2023 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To discuss any matters arising.

There were no matters arising.

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer and Deputy Chief Executive.

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) which provided the forum with an executive summary of the business matters on the agenda for consideration.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer and Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides Schools’ Forum Members with a final update on the construction of the 2023/24 totals schools’ budget (i.e. high needs block).

Schools’ Forum is requested to note the report and offer any further comments.

Officer contact: Peter Hughes, Telephone; 0161 474 3947 Email: peter.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Borough Treasurer and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided Schools’ Forum Members with a final update on the construction of the 2023/24 totals schools’ budget (i.e. high needs block).

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members of the Forum asked for clarification on the Cheadle Heath Centre and the spend on Elective Home Education.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a presentation of the Strategic Lead (SEND).

The presentation provides Schools’ Forum members with an overview of the current position in terms of SEND, a sufficiency update and an overview of the Delivering Better Value (DbV) program.

Schools’ Forum members are asked to note and comment on the presentation.

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

A representative of the Borough Treasurer and Deputy Chief Executive gave a presentation which provided Schools’ Forum members with an overview of the current position in terms of SEND, a sufficiency update and an overview of the Delivering Better Value (DbV) program.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         In response to a member question, Schools’ Forum was advised that there was not a backlog due to Covid, but because some developmental and educational needs had increased during lockdown.

·         Concerns were expressed regarding the difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff and finding skilled people to fill positions.  The use of agency workers was impacting heavily on school budgets.  It was felt by some Members that schools were in a bidding war with other areas to try and recruit and retain staff.

·         In addition, concerns were expressed in relation to training and upskilling the workforce to work with the most vulnerable children.

·         A short discussion took place in relation to the morale of staff and the external pressures that all schools were facing.

·         The Forum was advised of the growth of SEND pupils and the need to do the highest quality work in this area.

·         The Forum emphasised the importance of sharing good practice.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer and Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides the opportunity for Schools’ Forum members to seek clarity and/or ask questions in relation to specific school’s funding/finance matters.

Schools’ Forum members are asked to note the report, present any questions and offer any further comments.

Officer contact: Peter Hughes, Telephone; 0161 474 3947 Email: peter.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Borough Treasurer and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided the opportunity for Schools’ Forum members to seek clarity and/or ask questions in relation to specific school’s funding/finance matters.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members requested further clarity around the issues of de-delegation and funding streams.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer and Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides Schools’ Forum members with details of the calendar dates of meetings agreed for the 2022/23 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:

a) Note the report;

b) Request any reports for future meetings;

c) Note the updated 2022/2023 academic years dates at section 2.2;

d) Discuss and propose any amendments to the forward planner and

e) Request any items for training/development sessions

Officer contact: Peter Hughes, Tel 0161 474 3947 Email: peter.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Borough Treasurer and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided Schools’ Forum members with details of the calendar dates of meetings agreed for the 2022/23 academic year.

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

The report provided Schools’ Forum members with the opportunity to request any items for training/development sessions.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To discuss any other business.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Schools’ Forum expressed its thanks to Frances Conway who had resigned as a Schools’ Forum Member.

·         Members of the Forum expressed concerns and asked for clarification about what was to be done with regard to the matter of Robertsons and the recent increase in energy costs.  The Forum was advised that a response would be provided in writing before the next meeting.