Andrew Roberts provided training for new members on the Role of the Schools Forum before the meeting.  The session was well attended.

The minutes from the meeting were accepted as a true record.

There were no matters arising.  Paul Boyce introduced himself as the new Director of Children’s Services.

Sue Talbot outlined the funding for School Intervention and School Improvement in 2016-17 and the impact of this funding. 

Work is being carried out to reduce the number of secondary exclusions through different strategies, including a 12 week integration scheme for KS3 students permanently excluded for the first time. 

From September 2017 a School Improvement Monitoring and Brokering Grant has been received to support low performing maintained schools. 

Resolved

Forum noted the report.

Andrew Roberts updated Forum on the move to a National Funding Formula (NFF), particularly a minimum 0.5% increase per pupil, and the flexibility given to transfer up to 0.5% from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block.  A soft formula for the next 2 years will allow schools a transition period and a phased move towards the NFF.

Andrew Roberts outlined the results of a local consultation with schools in respect of a number of proposed changes to the Local Funding Formula in 2018-19.  The recommendations in the report for the formula were based on the outcome of this consultation.

The Forum Members voted against Option 4 (a transition to NFF and a top slice for high needs) and as a result the matter was referred back to the Funding Working Group for further discussion.  The Forum will consider the matter again at the January meeting. 

Resolved

a.  Forum Members voted against Option 4, a transition and top slice for high needs.  7 for, 9 against, 3 abstentions.

b.  Due to option 4 being rejected the following proposals were not voted on:-

  I.  A revised MFG

  II.  A reduction of the LAC factor

  III.  Use of headroom monies

  IV.  High needs review and transfer of up to .5% of schools block into the high Needs block

c.  It was noted that the High Needs Working Group will consider the priorities  for the High Needs funding and report back to the January Forum meeting

d.  Forum agreed that the exclusion budget adjustments in secondary schools is amended in line with the statutory guidance. 12 for, 5 abstentions. 

e.  Forum agreed that the special school place changes are agreed and implemented from September 2018.  12 for, 6 abstentions.

f.  Forum agreed to create a Clinical Psychology Team.  17 for, 1 abstention.

g.  Forum agreed to use element 2 funding in schools for Hearing and Vision from September 18 and develop a Traded Service through the High Needs working Group.  9 for, 5 against, 4 abstentions.

h.  The decision to continue offering de-delegated services to schools was deferred to the next meeting.

i.  Forum agreed to increase the membership of the High Needs Working Group.  Jon Bush volunteered to become a representative.  Any others wishing to join the group contact Margaret Morris.

Shaun Allen briefed Forum on the outcome of the Early Years funding consultation and updated on other early years issues.

The consultation sought views of Early Years Providers on a number of areas including the Inclusive Practice Fund, the introduction of monthly payments, a review of the existing formula and an increase in the overall Early Years base rate.

Wirral has received supplementary funding from the DfE to protect Maintained Nursery School funding at 2016-17 rates.  This will be available until 2018-19. 

Although there have been difficulties with the Early Years extended offer, uptake is similar to Wirral’s statistical neighbours and is expected to increase in the spring term.

Uptake for the Disability Access Fund has been fairly slow.  Providers will be reminded about the fund.  Uptake of the Early Years Pupil Premium has increased significantly this financial year.

Resolved

  I.  Forum noted the report

  II.  Forum agreed the arrangements for the Inclusive Practice Fund

  III.  Forum agreed to move to monthly payments for childcare providers from Autumn 2018, with payments made at the beginning of each month.

  IV.  Forum agreed to retain the formula in its current structure, with the existing supplements and rates unchanged.

  V.  Forum agreed the increase in the base rate from £3.60 to £3.68

Andrew Roberts briefed the Forum on the outcome of the consultation on changes to the Scheme for Financing Schools and the changes to Teachers Employment Rights.  The areas being consulted on were:-

·  revised wording to cover losses arising from a schools failure to seek advice, or act on advice given

·  A 12 month notice period for SLAs provided by the LA

·  An increase to the maximum licensed deficit amount from 5% to 10%

·  Teachers moving from an academy school to a maintained school to keep their terms and conditions in line with the employment rights of other school staff

Resolved

  I.  Forum agreed the changes to the Scheme for Financing Schools.  4 for, 14 abstentions

  II.  Forum agreed the terms and conditions of teachers in line with all school staff. Unanimous.

Carole Fenlon discussed a request that PVI representation should be increased to more broadly represent the early year’s sector.  Members were also given the opportunity to identify other areas where representation may increase.  Suggestions provided were:-

·  Nursery Classes

·  14-19 year olds

·  Youth

Resolved

Voting was deferred to the next meeting.

The workplan was provided for information.

The dates of the meetings for the coming academic year are:-

Wednesday 17^th January 2018

Wednesday 25^th April 2018

Wednesday 4^th July 2018

Andrew Roberts will circulate dates for the next Schools Funding Working Group and the High Needs Working Group.

There was no other business