Agenda and minutes

The Vice Chair, Anne Rogowski, welcomed members to this meeting of Schools’ Forum.

To report any apologies for absence or substitutions.

Apologies for absence were received from Danny Pearson and Emma Hill.

To record any observers present.

Glenda Brocklehurst was in attendance as an observer.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 January 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 18 January 2024 were approved as a correct record.

To discuss any matters arising.

In response to a Member question, the Forum was advised that there was a new Chief Executive and that the ‘One Future’ plan would go forward as proposed.

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.

A representative of the Borough Treasurer and Deputy Chief Executive 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.

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 2024/25 totals schools’ budget (i.e. high needs block).

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 Schools’ Forum members with a final update on the construction of the 2024/25 total schools’ budget (i.e. high needs block).

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 an update on the level of school reserves held in relation to insurance schemes that are administered by the Local Authority and also provides an opportunity to discuss and determine how the reserves held by the LA in relation to administered insurance schemes are used.

In addition, the report provides an insurance update to Schools’ Forum members regarding key matters associated with the schemes and schools generally.

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 Schools’ Forum members with an update on the level of school reserves held in relation to insurance schemes that are administered by the Local Authority and also provided an opportunity to discuss and determine how the reserves held by the Local Authority in relation to administered insurance schemes are used.

In addition, the report provided an insurance update to Schools’ Forum members regarding key matters associated with the schemes and schools generally.

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 the final detailed analysis of the total school balances position recorded as at 31 March 2024. The report also provides detail of the schools reporting an excessive school surplus balance as at 31 March 2024 (i.e. above the 12% threshold) and confirms application of the appropriate control mechanism process as defined in the Scheme for Financing Schools document.

Furthermore, the report provides the opportunity to discuss and determine with Schools’ Forum members whether the excessive surplus balance threshold should be amended subject to consultation outcomes?

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 Schools Forum members with the final detailed analysis of the total school balances position recorded as at 31 March 2024. The report also provided detail of the schools reporting an excessive school surplus balance as at 31 March 2024 (i.e. above the 12% threshold) and confirmed application of the appropriate control mechanism process as defined in the Scheme for Financing Schools document.

Furthermore, the report provided the opportunity to discuss and determine with Schools’ Forum members whether the excessive surplus balance threshold should be amended subject to consultation outcomes?

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Schools’ Forum was advised that it was important to reflect on this issue especially in relation to the high needs block and that consultation should probably be carried out on reducing the balance levels.

·         It was pointed out that inside the trust system there was no set limit to reserves.

·         It was important to ensure that schools were not penalised, especially in view of the uncertainty around pay rises for staff and spikes in energy prices among other things.  Some smaller schools may be especially vulnerable.

·         In some cases, funds were ready for capital works, but the money could not be spent for other reasons.

·         In situations where there were significant balances, was there a way of addressing the imbalance?  In response, the Forum was advised that this was very difficult whilst on the transition to the National Funding Formula and that moving was very hard.

·         Members of the Forum asked whether any excess balances had been returned to the Authority and were advised that yes, they had but not at exceptional levels.  It was important to exercise caution.

·         It was felt that a lot of money was being held for a long time for capital projects which may or may not be delivered.

·         Members of the Forum enquired whether it was clear when it was acceptable to hold money back?

·         Schools need to ensure that they have some level of liquidity. In some cases, surplus balances have been used around the high needs block and SEND.

·         Would the consultation include governing bodies and how much information would they be given?  Not all governing bodies would have the full picture.

·         The Forum was advised that financial controls were pretty robust.  When this issue is next before the Forum, a paper would be submitted which would also provide information in relation to academy schools. The Local Authority would listen to concerns and then make a decision which was prudent.

·         The consultation would take place in the Autumn term.

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 detail of the final 2023/24 dedicated schools grant (DSG) final reported outturn position.

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 Schools’ Forum members with details of the final 2023/24 dedicated schools grant (DSG) final reported outturn position.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         The Forum was advised that there was a material risk of moving into the government safety valve programme.  This could mean that control could be lost over some decision making.  It was important that this risk be noted.

·         Members asked if there was a change in reserve policy, could this be used to mitigate the risk?  In response, the Forum was advised that these monies must be spent on legitimate expenditure.

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 proposed update to the Scheme for Financing Schools document for approval..

Schools’ Forum members are asked to:

(i)           note the report, present any questions and offer any further comments.

(ii)          Approve the proposed amendment as detailed in Appendix 2.

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 details of the proposed update to the Scheme for Financing Schools document for approval.

RESOLVED – (i) That the report be noted

(ii) That the proposed amendment as detailed in Appendix 2, be approved.

To consider a verbal presentation of the Strategic Lead for SEND, Inclusion and Access and Director of Education, Work and Skills.

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 Geraldine Gerrard, 0161 474 3837 or email: Geraldine.gerrard@stockport.gov.uk

The Strategic Lead for SEND, Inclusion and Access and Director of Education, Work and Skills gave a verbal 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:

·         Members of the Forum were updated on the three pillars of work in the programme.

·         Members enquired about checking the quality of the independent sector and whether these checks were as rigorous as they possibly could be?  In response, the Forum advised that there was a great deal of collaborative working taking place with Greater Manchester SEND board.  Costs in this area were becoming eye-watering.

·         Forum Members raised the issue of the increasing deficit in the high needs block.  What per centage were successful in getting a place in the independent sector?  It was reported that a report had just been commissioned on this.  Once a case goes to a tribunal, the tendency is to go with parental preference which is often the independent sector.  This does feel uneven. The Forum felt it would be useful to have further information relating to this.

·         Partnership working would seem to be a way forward.  If the right SEND support is in place, it should reduce the need for EH&C Plans.

·         Parental requests for EH&C Plans were a real issue.  School requests have fallen.  It was vital to get to grips with this issue and find our what is driving demand at parental level.

·         What is the age/phase of the pupils requesting EHCPs?  In response, the Forum was advised that it tended to be parents of children in the secondary sector – years 8, 9 and 10.  There was a worry from parents about attendance and exclusion and parents may feel that in order to get a child to engage they need an EHCP.  The Local Authority was going to look at more data in this area and further information would be brought to the next meeting of the Schools’ Forum.

·         Once children obtain a EHCP, can this be removed at a later date?  In response, the Forum was advised that this did not happen often and was an area that needed looking at as a matter of urgency.

RESOLVED – That the verbal 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 report tat was presented to Children and Families Scrutiny Committee on 17 January 2024 regarding LA maintained Nursery Schools.

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 Schools’ Forum members with details of the report that was presented to Children and Families Scrutiny Committee on 17 January 2024 regarding LA maintained Nursery Schools.

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 regarding schools’ annual budget positions and the LA strategy/support to schools facing difficult financial decisions.

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 Schools’ Forum members with details regarding schools’ annual budget positions and the Local Authority strategy/support to schools facing difficult financial decisions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members of the Forum considered that this report contained a great deal of interesting detail.

·         What was going to be the impact of declining pupil numbers?

·         How many schools are at significant risk?

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report Schools’ Forum members with detail on expenditure/pupil numbers across specific SEN areas as per resourced provision.

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 Schools’ Forum members with detail on expenditure/pupil numbers across specific SEN areas as per resourced provision.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         A short discussion took place relating to the background and contextual information contained within the report.

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 2023/24 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)    Discuss/Agree the updated 2023/24 academic year dates at section 2.2;

d)   Acknowledge/Accept the proposed dates for the 2024/25 academic year;

e)    Discuss and propose any amendments to the forward planner; and 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 2023/24 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.

There was no other business.