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 18 January 2024.

To discuss any 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To discuss any other business.