Agenda

To report any apologies for absence or substitutions.

To record any observers present.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 16 January 2025.

To discuss any matters arising.

To consider a report of the Director of Finance and Director of Education, Work and Skills.

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

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 2025/26 totals schools’ budget.

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

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

The report provides Schools Forum members feedback on the outcomes of the latest consultation undertaken with all school governing bodies in relation to the current excessive surplus balance control mechanism for schools as well as local authority views, considerations and proposed amendment(s) to the Scheme for Financing Schools document.

Schools’ Forum members are asked to

a)    Note the report

b)   Consider the views of the LA in response to the consultation feedback;

c)    Approve the proposed amendments to the Scheme presented; and

d)   Offer any further comments.

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

To Consider a report of the Director of Education, Work & Skills.

The report outlines data relating to falling rolls and excess surplus places across Stockport.

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

Officer Contact: Christopher Harland, 0161 474 3948 or email; Christopher.harland@stockport.gov.uk

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

The presentation provides an update on the DBV programme.

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

To Consider a Report of the Director of Finance and Director of Education, Work & Skills.

The report provides an update on the deficit position (update and forecast); the local issues, mitigations and risks; and local authority options for consideration and discussion.

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

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

To consider a report of the Director of Finance and Director of Education, Work and Skills

The report provides Schools’ Forum members with details of the remaining meeting dates for 2024/25 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 and propose any amendments to the forward planner; and

d) Request any items for training/development sessions.

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

To discuss any other business.