The City Solicitor will report the names of alternate Members who are attending the meeting in place of appointed Members.

Members - Nicky Kilvington, Nigel Cooper, Ray Tate and Sami Harzallah; Regular Observer - Lynn Murphy (Business Manager, Feversham College)

To receive disclosures of interests from Members on matters to be considered at the meeting. The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.

An interest must also be disclosed in the meeting when it only becomes apparent to the member during the meeting.

In opening the meeting, the Chair explained that this was the first Schools Forum meeting since the death of Gareth Dawkins. Gareth was a long-standing member of the Schools Forum and the Chair asked Members to remember Gareth, and to recognise the significant contribution that he made in Bradford over many years, in a way that Gareth would have enjoyed. The Chair led the Schools Forum in a round of applause.

The Chair explained that there has been Press interest in today’s meeting that the Press may be in attendance.

The Chair expressed his appreciation to Sir Nick Weller, for the clarity and boldness of his Northern Powerhouse Schools Strategy report, and his success in the publication of this.

The Chair provided an overview for Members of the position of discussions on key matters and stressed the importance of today’s meeting. He explained that he and the Vice Chair had attended the most recent Education Improvement Strategic Board and had briefed members of this board about the critical issues relating to the management of pressures within the DSG High Needs Block in 2017/18, including the options for contribution from the Schools Block. He explained that a view is forming about the impact of the ‘worst case scenario’ Minimum Funding Guarantee option, which needs to be interrogated. Today’s meeting is a final opportunity for Forum Members to ask for more information prior to January’s decision making process. A critical question with every agenda item is whether Members feel that they have sufficient information on which to take recommendations.

The Chair explained that there are now strong rumours that the DfE is about to publish its 2^nd stage of consultation on National Funding Formula. He highlighted for members the modelling that has been published already by the NUT on the pressures within education funding nationally. He reported that he has talked directly with 3 other regional Chairs of Schools Forums and that these conversations have confirmed the view about common pressures related to the High Needs Block.

The Chair explained that the DfE has confirmed the final details, following its earlier consultation, on early years funding reform and that these will be picked up under the early years funding agenda item.

Finally, the Chair explained that, although most of the items do not require decisions, it will be helpful for a decision to be made on de-delegation for the purposes of subscribing to Fischer Family Trust, due to the timescale for confirming subscription for next year.

212.    DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

Declaration were received from the Chair, Ian Morrel, Sue Haithwaite and Trevor Loft for agenda item 11 “Funding High Needs 2017/18 (including Consultation Outcomes).

ACTION:       City Solicitor

Recommended –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 October 2016 be signed as a correct record.

a) Agree the minutes as a correct record.

b) The Business Adviser on progress made “Action” items:

·         Consultation on High Needs Block funding matters (item 204 page 11): It was reported that the consultation was published and this is returning on the agenda under item 11. The request for further information on high needs funding matters is picked up in a number of report but especially under agenda item 11.

·         DSG Central Items and De-Delegated Funds (item 205 page 12): A further report is presented under agenda item 12. It was reported that the Vice Chair presented information on de-delegation to BPIP on 4 November. 6 additional responses were received giving mixed views about the position of de-delegation.

c) Other matters arising

·         Northern Powerhouse Schools Strategy report: Members will be aware already of publication of the report by Sir Nick Weller on the Northern PowerHouse Schools Strategy. This report makes a number of recommendations, which will be of interest to the Schools Forum in its decision about the use of resources, the development of high needs provisions, and in the context of national funding formula.  We recommend that this report is considered more fully by the Schools Forum in the new year.

·         Post 16 Free School Provision: A request was made at the last meeting for further information on how the Local Authority is managing, and modelling the implications of, the development of new Post 16 free school provision in the Bradford District. A response has been provided as a matters arising document in the agenda reports pack. In responding to this document, the Member representing Teacher Trade Unions expressed his concern about how the Local Authority is controlling the strategic direction of post 16 provision and ensuring that every child has access to a place. He stated that his concern is shared by Union colleagues. He referred to a secondary school that has already decided to close its 6^th form. The Strategic Director, Children’s Services, responded by explaining that the role of the Local Authority is to influence and that there has been extensive engagement with partners about the direction of post 16 provision. There are established forums in which strategic provision matters are discussed. The Member referred to specific questions that have been asked about provision in Bradford South that have not yet been responded to. The Strategic Director offered to discuss this matter further outside the meeting. The Chair stated that the Member is welcome to raise this matter again with the Forum if he still has concerns following these discussions. 

·         Social Impact Bond: Members will recall the discussion in the July meeting regarding the Social Impact Bond. An update is provided as a matters arising document.

·         Academy conversions: The Business Advisor reported that 10 schools have converted to academy status since the last Forum meeting (9 primary and 1 secondary) and that none of these schools are expected to close with a deficit budget. 19 schools have converted so far this academic year.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 212.

Members will be asked to consider any issues raised by schools.

No resolution was passed on this item.

A report will be given verbally on any further announcements related to the National Funding Formula.

The Business Advisor (Schools) confirmed the Chair’s statement in the introduction to the meeting, that it is strongly rumoured that there will be an announcement about National Funding Formula before Christmas. At this point however, we are still very unclear about what will be proposed for National Funding Formula for the Schools and High Needs Blocks and what the impact will be on Bradford. There is quite a lot of noise in local press across the country regarding the modelling that has been published by the NUT, which in particular highlights the erosion in the real terms value of education funding.

The DfE has announced the final details of changes in the funding of the Early Years Block. The final position for Bradford is as the DfE initially proposed in its consultation; an increase in the rate of funding for the 2 year old offer but a decrease in the funding of the 3 and 4 year old offer and a restriction on the proportion of spend on deprivation. There is still uncertainty about the medium to longer term funding position for nursery schools, but the DfE has announced that rates of funding for nursery schools will now be protected for 3 financial years starting April 2017.

The Business Advisor also reported that little was said about education funding by the Chancellor in his Autumn Statement other than the identification of capital funding for the development of grammar schools.

Forum Members did not have any comments or questions.

No resolution was passed on this item.

The Strategic Director of Children’s Services will present to Forum Members the Council’s (Children’s Services) budget position and the proposals for 2017-19 that are currently out for consultation across the District.

Recommended –

The Forum is asked to consider the budget proposals and to give feedback.

(Michael Jameson – 01274 431266)

The Strategic Director, Children’s Services presented the Council’s (Children’s Services) budget position and the proposals for 2017-19 that were currently out for consultation across the District.

The detail of this presentation is recorded in the PowerPoint (these minutes do not repeat the detail). The Strategic Director emphasised that the proposals are based on the key priorities of improving educational outcomes, safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children and families at the point of need and promoting employment and skills for all and on the key principles of early help and support, managing demand and building on strengths, improving placement choice, a school-led delivery system, which includes trading and maximising the benefits of integration and joint commissioning. He also emphasised that the proposals are made in the context of reducing central Government funding (a further £82m of savings by 2020), a growing population, increasing numbers of new arrivals into the District, and increasing demand for services, but also in the context of reducing DSG budget contributions and growing pressure in the High Needs Block. The Deputy Director added that the DSG financial element is hugely challenging for the Council, as it is for schools.

In summary, the Strategic Director explained the proposed budget savings as follows:

• £0.47m, 2017-18 Savings Proposals already approved in February 2016 (£0.15m School Improvement, £0.243m Employment & Skills, £0.077m Youth Offending)
• £1.518m, 2017-18 Savings Proposals already approved in February 2016 where amounts and phasing have altered (Social Care)
• £1.207m, 2017-18 Savings Proposals already approved in February 2016 replaced with compensatory proposals subject to consultation (Social Care)
• £1.808m, 2017-18 & 2018-19 New Saving Proposals subject to consultation (£0.06m School Readiness , £0.3m Employment & Skills, £1.448m Social Care)
• £2.4m, Potential Loss of Dedicated School Grant for Council Services
• Total Savings of £7.4m in 2017-18 and 2018-19 (excluding current year pressure of £3.1m)

Schools Forum Members asked the following main questions and made the following comments:

• The Vice Chair commented that schools with higher proportions of children from vulnerable families are in receipt of the Pupil Premium Grant but there is a tension in that schools are increasingly needing to use their PPG to pay for support services that are no longer available through the Council / not available without charge, pulling this funding away from spend on educational outcomes focused interventions.
• The Chair commented that the stand out impression that comes from this presentation (and the size of the budget reductions) is the necessity to drive immediate and substantial cost efficiencies, within both the Council’s budget and the DSG.
• In terms of efficiencies, what strategies are being employed by the Council across its budget? Can these been shared with the Forum e.g. early help, more effective collaboration. A report on this would be welcomed.
• There are significant efficiencies to be found in improving how schools and health services work together.
• How much reserve is the Council proposing to use in its budget across 2017-2020? The Director of Finance stated that it is proposed to use £20m of reserve over the next 4  ...  view the full minutes text for item 215.

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document GT, which updates members on the forecasted spending positions of centrally managed and de-Delegated funds held within the DSG in 2016/17. This document gives members a View of the estimated value of one off monies that will be available to add to the 2017/18 DSG Headroom and a view of the uses of this funding.

Recommended –

Members are asked to consider whether sufficient information has been provided to enable final recommendations to be made on 11 January 2017 on the use of one off monies.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented the report, Document GT, which updated members on the forecasted spending positions of centrally managed and de-delegated funds held within the DSG in 2016/17. This document gave members a view of the estimated value of one off monies that would be available to add to the 2017/18 DSG Headroom and a view of the uses of this funding. The presentation focused on Appendix 2.

The Business Advisor explained that the value of one off monies / uncommitted reserve held within the DSG is expected to be lower at March 2017 than held in previous years (£1.75m compared with £3.0m). This is the result, in particular, of the forecasted overspending against the planned High Needs Block budget due to the creation of new additional places from January 2017 and pressure in the cost of EHCP’s in mainstream provisions and placements out of authority. As a result, there is little money available for additional investment and it is recommended that the uncommitted reserve within the DSG is held unallocated. Following a Member’s question, the Chair reminded the Forum of the discussions that took place in May 2016 on a confidential matter, which place additional commitment on the DSG’s reserve figure presented in Appendix 2.

The Business Advisor explained that it is now proposed to retain the identified sum of £0.5m to protect base rates funding for the 3 and 4 year old offer in 2018/19 rather than in 2017/18.

The Business Advisor highlighted the pressure within the de-delegated maternity / paternity scheme, explaining that this is behind the request for the Schools Forum to review the position of this scheme especially for the secondary phase, which will be considered in the later agenda item.

Forum Members did not have any comments and did not asked any further questions.

Resolved –

No resolution was passed on this item. Forum Members did not ask for any further information.

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document GU, which provides a forecast of the anticipated DSG funding position and cost pressures in the 2017/18 financial year. Please note that any further information on the DSG for 2017/18 that may be announced by Government before 7 December will be presented verbally at the meeting.

Recommended –

Members are asked to consider the information presented in the report, in advance of making final recommendations on 11 January 2017.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document GU, which provided a forecast of the anticipated DSG budget position and cost pressures in the 2017/18 financial year. It was stressed that this is still an estimated position, but, unless a significant addition sum is allocated to Bradford in the 2017/18 DSG High Needs Block settlement (announced later in December), this is a realistic appraisal of the 2017/18 DSG.

The Business Advisor highlighted the following:

·         One of the key principles proposed to lay behind the management of the DSG going forward is that the Early Years Block will be ring-fenced, apart from its contribution to earl years SEND costs.

·         The actual estimated pressure in the High Needs Block next year is £6.86m. This assumes only £1m of new income from DfE. 50% roughly of this £6.86m pressure comes from the cost of new places (including only a 7/12ths provision for the 2^nd tranche of 120). 50% comes from growth in pressure in existing provisions, including growth of mainstream EHCPs / SEND statements and out of authority placements. This pressure is after the Early Years Block has contributed £300,000 for the SEN Inclusion budget. It is also after a 1.5% reduction has been levied on the High Needs Block top up rates and centrally managed budgets.

·         A 1.5% contribution from the Schools Block pupil-led factors, on current estimates, will provide a sum of £4m to help offset the £6.86m. This contribution is split 50/50 between primary and secondary when a blanket 1.5% reduction in all factors is applied.

·         After these contributions however, it is still currently estimated that the High Needs Block will overspend and the total DSG funding gap is estimated to be £2.3m i.e. more may need to be done to balance the 2017/18 DSG.

The Chair emphasised that, on current modelling, a 1.5% reduction within the Schools Block would not close the DSG gap in 2017/18 fully. This leaves the Schools Forum with a very difficult set of considerations and decisions to make. However, the Schools Forum must make recommendations that set a balanced DSG budget. The Chair asked that Members hold their detailed responses on this until all the agenda items relating to the DSG position, including the updated modelling of school budgets and the High Needs Block, have been presented.

In responding to the presentation, Members made the following comments and asked the following questions:

• Whether modelling can be done on comparative High Needs Block per pupil spending, incorporating a view about the level of spending in higher performing local authorities. The Chair responded that benchmarking has taken place (and has been presented to the Forum) showing that our spending per place in special schools is close to the national median. It is understood that the comparison for alternative provision is more complex because of the diverse nature of provisions can come under the AP designation. However, it will be helpful for more information on the ‘national context’ to be provided for 11 January meeting.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 217.

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document GV, which asks Members to consider the outcomes of the consultation on the 2017/18 Early Years Single Funding Formula.

Recommended –

(1)       The Forum is asked to consider the outcomes of the consultation and to make final recommendations on the structure of the Early Years Single Funding Formula for the 2017/18 financial year.

(2)       Members are asked to note, at this stage, the Early Years Working Group’s recommendation for the use of £500,000 of off monies in support of the protection of the 3 and 4 year old base settings rates in 2017/18. The Schools Forum will be asked to make a final recommendation on this on 11 January.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document GV, which asked Members to consider the outcomes of the consultation on the 2017/18 Early Years Single Funding Formula (EYSFF). Members deferred a decision on the structure of the EYSFF to 11 January. As such, this item was treated as ‘for information’.

The Business Advisor highlighted the following:

·         As set out in the DSG document for the previous item, it is proposed to establish the principle of ring-fencing of the Early Years Block for 2017/18 and for the future.

·         There is nothing in the responses to our consultation (that the Forum approved at the last meeting) that suggests our proposals regarding structure of the EYSFF for 2017/18 are not supported and should not be implemented. We proposed a lot of continuity on current arrangements. The Authority asks then that the Forum recommends the structure of the EYSFF as set out in the consultation document is implemented for 2017/18.

·         The main concern expressed in responses to our consultation is the significant reduction in rates of funding for the 3 and 4 year old entitlement as a result of the Government’s Early Years Funding Reform and the impact that this will have on the quality of provision.

·         The Government announced the final details of its national formula on 1 December. Our 2017/18 proposals are compliant with what is required from April 2017. We do need to develop further our existing approach to SEN Inclusion funding and we propose to re-convene the EYWG in the new year to do this. Our next steps around structural reform will be working towards a consultation on amended formula arrangements in Bradford for 2018/19, incorporating a universal base rate, as we set out in our consultation document.

·         The DfE has confirmed:

o   Our net loss of funding is as set out in the original consultation document. This is unchanged. Our 2 year old rate of funding will increase to £5.20 but we will lose £3m in 3 and 4 year old funding over the next 2 years.

o   The restriction on supplements to 10% does come in at 1 April 2017. The calculation of this is tighter than estimated, which means that we cannot spend as much at 10% on deprivation as we anticipated. This factor in particular affects the funding of nursery classes. The transfer of budget from deprivation to base rate does however protect the funding of PVI sector.

o   The Maintained Nursery School Supplement is confirmed and is extended for at least another year (until April 2020) with further consultation to take place. We are expected to fund nursery schools as currently. However, our value of Supplement funding will be set on our actual current spend so we will not have a balance to allocate (the £275k we set out in the report will not exist).

o   A new Disability Access Fund will be established, estimated to be worth £160,000 in Bradford in 2017/18.

o   A requirement for local authorities to operate SEN Inclusion funds. We  ...  view the full minutes text for item 218.

The Principal Finance Officer (Schools) will present a report, Document GW, which provides members with updated indicative modelling of Primary & Secondary delegated budget shares in 2017/18, using the pupil numbers taken from the October 2016 Census. This modelling is tabled only for information at this stage, prior to asking Members to make final recommendations on 11 January 2017.

Recommended –

The Forum is asked to note the Primary and Secondary modelling information. A further update will be provided on 11 January 2017, when Forum Members will be asked to make final recommendations on the values of funding allocated via each formula factor.

Members are asked to consider whether sufficient information has been provided to enable final recommendations to be taken on 11 January 2017 on the matters presented in this report.

(Sarah North – 01274 434173)

The Principal Finance Officer (Schools) presented a report, Document GW, which provided members with updated indicative modelling of Primary & Secondary delegated budget shares in 2017/18, using the pupil numbers taken from the October 2016 Census.

The Principal Finance Officer explained that this is part of the information presented for the Forum’s consideration about the Schools Block contribution to the DSG gap in 2017/18. The modelling shows:

·         The position of each school’s budget and how this is adjusted for changes in pupil numbers.

·         The cost to each school’s budget of a ‘1.5% per pupil Schools Block contribution’ to the High Needs Block, which generates a sum of £4m.

·         The proportionate sector cost of this 1.5% contribution (£60.70 per pupil secondary; £37.74 per pupil primary).

·         What the worst case scenario position would be (how much more contribution could be taken from individual schools before all schools would be on their Minimum Funding Guarantee levels). This would generate a sum of £6m (£2m more than under the 1.5% option).

Forum Members did not have any comments and did not ask any questions on this modelling at this point. The Chair commented again that such a contribution from school budgets in 2017/18 will have an impact, including on staffing levels, and that the Forum is being asked to consider some very difficult decisions.

Resolved –

No resolution was passed on this item.

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document GX, which asks Forum Members to consider the outcomes of the consultation on the 2017/18 High Needs Funding Model and the planned number of high needs places to be commissioned by the Authority. Document GX also gives an update on the position of other strategic high needs funding matters. This update is provided in advance of asking Members to make final recommendations on 11 January 2017.

Recommended –

(1)       The Forum is asked to agree the structure of the High Needs Funding Model for the 2017/18 financial year.

(2)       Members are asked to consider whether sufficient information has been provided to enable final recommendations on the 2017/18 High Needs Block to be taken on 11 January 2017.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document GX, which asked the Forum to consider the outcomes of the consultation on the 2017/18 High Needs Funding Model and gave the Forum sight of the planned number of high needs places to be commissioned by the Authority. Document GX also gave an update on the position of other strategic high needs funding matters. Members deferred a decision on the structure of the High Needs Block funding model to 11 January. As such, this item was treated as ‘for information’.

The Business Advisor explained that this was the final agenda item, presented to give Members sight of the issues related to the difficult decisions that will be required to be taken in allocating the 2017/18 DSG budget.

The report set out further information behind the High Needs Block allocation and cost pressures, including the allocated places within the planned model (Appendix 1). It provided sight of the impact of a 1.5% reduction in top up values (Appendix 2). It also provided information relating to ‘efficiency and value for money’, highlighting some key areas of watch, improvement and review, and information on the sector-led teaching services review, in response to the requests made by Members at the previous meeting.

In response to the report, Members focused on the information presented regarding the funding of unfilled places (4%). Members asked for a further more detailed breakdown of unfilled places to be presented on 11 January. It was  clarified that the cost estimates for the High Needs Block in 2017/18 presented to the meeting included the financing of the 1^st tranche of new places as well as 7/12ths of the 2^nd tranche and that the cost of additional places that were already filled are also included.

In pulling together the information presented to the meeting so far about the 2017/18 DSG, the Strategic Director, Children’s Services expressed his awareness of the complexity of the issues being raised. He advised that it will be helpful for an options impact analysis paper to be presented to the Forum at the next meeting. As it is highly likely that the DSG budget position will be need to be resolved by combining actions, savings and contributions, across the DSG, it will be helpful for the Forum to have full, clear sight of all of these, and the impact of these and how impact could be mitigated, in one report.

The Chair asked Members whether they had any comments at this stage on the option for the sizeable contribution from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block in 2017/18. Members stated generally that they needed further time to consider this and to talk with colleagues, but made the following comments and asked the following questions:

• There is support amongst colleagues for the creation of high needs places. However, there is considerable concern about the implications on schools budgets of a sizeable formula funding reduction in 2017/18.
• The system for the assessment and placement of high needs children  ...  view the full minutes text for item 220.

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a follow up report, Document GY, which asks Forum Members to further consider the position of the funding of Schools and Early Years Block central and de-delegated items from the DSG in 2017/18, following the initial discussion in the meeting of 19 October 2016.

Members are asked to take a decision on the position of the funding of the Fischer Family Trust subscription in 2017/18.

Recommended –

(1)       That Members be asked to note the information and to consider whether any further information is needed to enable final recommendations to be taken on 11 January 2017 on the funding of centrally managed and de-delegated Early Years and Schools Block items in 2017/18.

(2)       That Members be asked to take a decision on the position of the funding of the Fischer Family Trust subscription.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document GY, which asked Forum Members to further consider the position of Schools and Early Years Block central and de-delegated items from the DSG in 2017/18, following the initial discussion in the meeting of 19 October 2016.

The Business Advisor explained that Members are asked for a steer, prior to final decisions to be made on 11 January, on whether any Member disagrees with any of the recommendations set out in the report on the continuation or cessation of funds, or whether Members need further information on any of these. He explained that it will be helpful for secondary maintained Forum members to give a specific steer on de-delegation in 2017/18 for the maternity and paternity insurance scheme in the secondary phase, responding to the concerns regarding the financial viability of this fund that are set out in the report (the loss of critical mass). The Business Advisor also highlighted for Members the outline proposal to hold a sum to be used for meeting the cost of deficit budget of primary sponsored academies.

It was explained that most of the report was presented only for further information and to gain a steer (to inform decisions to be taken in January). However, it would be helpful for the Forum to take a decision on the position of the funding of the Fischer Family Trust (FFT) subscription in 2017/18, if possible.

Members made the following comments and asked the following questions on funds other that FFT (focused on the maternity reimbursement scheme):

• That the maternity reimbursement insurance scheme does look to be financial unviable for the secondary phase.
• That if the maternity scheme is ceased for the secondary phase consideration needs to be given about appropriate timing of exit from this (recognising existing commitments).
• In responding to the explanation that the Authority does not currently broker supply insurance arrangements for schools, a Member expressed disappointment that the Local Authority is not prepared to negotiate a District-wide agreement for maternity insurance across schools. Another Member expressed concern about the implications for the cessation of the maternity scheme for smaller schools. It was clarified that cessation is only currently under consideration for the secondary phase and that there are commercial alternatives. It was also clarified that de-delegation is a Schools Forum decision.

The Forum engaged in a rather complicated debate about the subscription to Fischer Family Trust, with a need for clarification on some aspects of the contractual position. From this discussion, Primary maintained members voted in favour (3 out of 3) and secondary members voted against (2 out of 2) the continuation of de-delegation in 2017/18 to subscribe to Fischer Family Trust (FFT) data. However, prior to a final decision, it was agreed that clarification is sought on the contractual and cost position where the primary and secondary phases are not in agreement. The Vice Chair also stated that she wished to further consult with BPIP regarding the decision to be made for the primary phase.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 221.

There are no new allocations for consideration at this meeting.

No resolution was passed on this item.

An update Bradford Education Improvement Commissioning Board meetings and activities will be presented for information.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

Updates on the following Forum standing items will be provided verbally where these have not been covered within other agenda items:

• Update on Single Status
• Update from the Schools Financial Performance Group (SFPG)
• Update from the Early Years Working Group (EYWG)
• Update from the Formula Funding Working Group (FFWG)
• Update on Primary School Places
• Update on Academies & Free Schools

Recommended –

That the Forum be asked to note the information provided.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

Resolved –

That Single Status is removed as a standing agenda item.

Members will be asked for any additional items of business, for consideration at a future meeting.

No resolution was passed on this item.

Please see the published schedule of meetings – Wednesday 11 January 2017.

(a)        Denotes an item for action

(b)        Denotes an item for information

That the dates of the next two meetings of the Schools Forum be confirmed as:

• Wednesday 11 January 2016.
• Wednesday 18 January 2017.