Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED: that the Minutes for the Forum meeting on 12 October 2022 be approved and signed as a correct record.

Members of the Forum were reminded to complete the declarations of interest form that was attached to the papers for the meeting.

To consider a briefing paper giving an update on DFE/ESFA funding announcements.

The Forum considered the briefing paper giving an update on DFE/ESFA funding announcements.

Concern was raised that the was potentially a large shortfall and in the budget overall.  The Forum noted that the final funding settlement had not been announced but that there was potentially a significant shortfall if the National Funding Formula (NFF) if the initial modelling using the Authority Proforma Tool (APT) followed along similar funding allocations to previous allocations.

It was noted that a revised APT would be released shortly and that the options would become clearer for January meeting.  

To receive an update in regard to PFI across Southampton’s Schools

The Forum considered a briefing paper detailing potential addition premises cost for the City’s PFI schools.  The Forum expressed an understanding and supported the need for the additional allowance and agreed to supporting the principle keeping the transfer subject to the final allocation of funding from the Department for Education.  

To receive a briefing detailing consideration relating to the school Improvement Grant

The Forum noted the potential changes for the way the that school improvement grant would be administered for maintained schools.  The Forum was informed that the proposal was that instead of the Local Authority asking for the money to be refunded that schools should take responsibility for using the money in the way that they choose to bring about improvement. It was noted that the potential change would need to be fully consulted on with of Head Teachers before it was signed off by the Forum.

Discussion of the financial impact of the In Year Fair Access Protocol

The Forum received a briefing from Zoe Snow and Clodagh Freeston  detailing the Council’s In Year Fair Access scheme detailing the principles used in allocation of places and the numbers of spaces that had actually been allocated.

It was noted that the briefing had been requested in a response to a question from schools seeking to understand whether there was any additional funding that could be allocated to schools having to accommodate extra pupils because of the scheme.  Officers indicated that they would review whether the allocation of spaces was fairly balanced across the City or whether it was a particular area of the City that was being called upon to take the bulk of the allocations.

It was noted that there was a number of choices that could be used to allocate additional funding  and that officers would explore the potential costings.

Papers detailing the Teacher’s Pay Award and Policy

The Forum received and noted the details of the teacher’s pay and award and policy for information.

To receive a briefing updating the Forum on High Needs

The Forum received a briefing outlining the Delivering Better Value Programme.  It was noted that the programme was a DfE scheme designed to assist local Authorities whom had experienced an increase in costings to support children that required high levels of support.  The Forum learnt that the Council was working with a company called Newton Europe in order to fully understand the support packages offered with a view to assessing what the Council was allocating funding to and assess where and how efficiencies could be made with the long term goal of reducing the overall budget.  

Remaining dates Schools Forum dates for the academic year 2022/23:

Wednesday 18 January 2023, meet at 3.45pm for a 4.00pm start

Wednesday 2 March 2023, meet at 3.45pm for a 4.00pm start

Wednesday 12 July 2023, meet at 3.45pm for a 4.00pm start

Proposed dates for the academic year 2023/24

Wednesday 20 September 2023, meet at 3.45pm for a 4.00pm start

Wednesday 22 November 2023, meet at 3.45pm for a 4.00pm start

Wednesday 24 January 2024, meet at 3.45pm for a 4.00pm start

Wednesday 22 March 2024, meet at 3.45pm for a 4.00pm start

Wednesday 14 June 2024, meet at 3.45pm for a 4.00pm start

Wednesday 12 July 2024, meet at 3.45pm for a 4.00pm start

The Forum noted the programme of future meetings.