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

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.

Recommended –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 2018 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

a) To agree the minutes as a correct record.

b) The Business Advisor (Schools) reported on progress made on “Action” items:

·         Item 322 SEND and SEMH Reviews: The Business Advisor reported thata report on the SEND and SEMH reviews is presented to the Schools Forum under agenda item 6. With regard to the Forum’s resolution supporting the development of a primary phase local agreement – a presentation was made to BPIP on 24 May and the Authority sent at the beginning of June a letter to all primary schools and academies asking them to sign up to a local agreement to enable a ‘support charge’ to be made of £8,000 for a permanent exclusion for this money to follow the child. With regard to the referrals to the HNB Steering Group (on HNB trajectory modelling and PRU balances), these matters were initially discussed by the Group at the meeting 9 July. Recommendations from the HNB Steering Group will come back to the Forum in autumn.

·         Item 325 Schools Outturn Revenue Balances: The Business Advisor reminded Forum Members of their requests for statements from the Local Authority on 2 matters – BSF utilities dispute settlement and Hanson School deficit. He referred Members to the statements that have been tabled. See the record of further discussion below.

·         Item 327 AOB: The Business Advisor reminded Members that the Vice Chair made a request at the last meeting for clarification on the financing of Bradford New College specifically with reference to the source of funding of the College’s recent promotional event. He explained that, although we are still checking with City Hall about this specific promotional event, and will confirm for the Forum in autumn, we have confirmation that the costs of a promotional event organised in September 2017 was charged to New College.

BSF / PFI Utilities Dispute

In response the tabled statement, the Vice Chair expressed concern that Forum Members remain unaware of the complexity of the position, of how and when the disputes will be resolved, and the potential financial impact that resolution may have both on the budgets of the schools affected and on the DSG Schools Block. He expressed his view, as the Headteacher of a BSF school, that the Authority has not engaged to a satisfactory extent recently with BSF schools on the status of the negotiations.  The concerns expressed by the Vice Chair were support by an academies member, who is also the CEO of a MAT with BSF schools. Referring to the option considered at the last meeting, the academies member suggested that a confidential agenda item is now added to the Forum’s September meeting so that the Forum can receive a full update on this matter, including the progress of negotiations over the summer, and can more closely consider the financial impact that a resolution may have on schools and on the DSG. This suggestion was welcomed by Forum members.

Hanson School

The Strategic Director, Children’s Services, presented the written statement. He explained in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 319.

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

MATTERS RAISED BY SCHOOLS

The Chair and the Business advisor (Schools) reported that no matters have been raised with the Schools Forum.

No resolution was passed on this item.

There are no new Growth Fund allocations presented for the Forum’s consideration.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) reported that there are no new allocations for approval presented to this meeting. Proposed allocations for growth in the secondary phase will be presented to the Forum in October.

The Business Advisor explained that a report is being planned to be tabled to the Schools Forum’s September meeting on the impact of ‘under-subscription’ in schools and the options that may be available for supporting this. He advised, following the Authority’s round of discussions with maintained schools on their 2018-2021 budgets, that a number of schools are being significantly affected by reducing / fluctuating / lower than PAN pupil numbers, and that there are different causes of this. The Business Advisor explained that he would like the Schools Forum to give the Authority a steer about how / whether schools facing under-subscription can be supported financially from the DSG.

Members responded to welcome further consideration of under-subscription as a financial issue. The Vice Chair requested that September’s report includes information on Bradford’s holistic places-planning strategy so that the Forum can understand, support and contribute to this.

Resolved –

That a report is presented to a meeting in the autumn term, which enables the Schools Forum to more closely consider the Authority’s places planning strategy and the impact that falling rolls is having in certain areas of the District and the options that may be available to support schools.

ACTION:       Business Advisor (Schools)

A report setting out progress on the Authority’s reviews, and the Authority’s SEND and SEMH strategy, will be presented, Document IV (Document to be circulated at a later date).

Recommended –

The Schools Forum is asked to consider and to note the information provided.

(Lynn Donohue – 01274 439606)

The Chair of the Forum introduced this item by reminding the Forum of the discussion at the last meeting and the request made by members that the Authority pulls together its reviews into a strategic ‘outcomes’ document. The Interim Strategic Lead, SEND and Behaviour, added that the Authority’s draft SEND strategy was being presented to the SEND Strategic Board this week and will be published for consultation in September and shared with the Forum at this point.

The Interim Strategic Lead, SEND and Behaviour and the SEND Planning and Project manager, with input from the Strategic Director, Children’s Services, presented Document IV. The presentation summarised the development of the reviews in key areas: of additional interim SEND and SEMH places, the status of the national free schools programme, the position of the re-advertising / brokering of the agreed new SEMH free school, the re-designation of PRU provision, the development of the behaviour continuum, local agreements and alternative provision and the Authority’s transport review.

The presentation emphasised the very significant issues the lack of basic needs capital is creating alongside the uncertainties of the national free school programme. The Strategic Director, Children’s Services explained that a letter is being sent from the Leader of the Council to Lord Agnew specifically on the issue of lack of SEND capital.

The Chair thanked the Strategic Director and officers for their detailed presentation. She stated that this information appears to very clearly confirm the outline view of members, given at the last meeting, that a ‘plan B’ is needed if sufficient places for high needs pupils are to be provided. She noted that the number of planned places needing to be delivered has crept up since initial consideration 3 years ago (400 increased from 300). The Chair welcomed the Authority’s action to raise the issue of the lack of SEND capital funds directly with Ministers and suggested that the Schools Forum also writes to Lord Agnew to support the Leader’s correspondence.

Forum members supported the Chair’s comments and added to these. An academies member stated that Bradford’s complex position is a ‘litmus test’ for what is now happening nationally. As such we are not an outlier and we have a right to lobby Government hard about the financial and provision issues that we face and where the Government’s response is not adequate. This view was supported by members. The SEND Planning and Project manager added that EBDOG is currently lobbying Government about the omission of SEND planning date in SCAP returns. The Business Advisor (Schools) also added that, as well as significant issues with a lack a capital funding, the Forum should not lose sight of the very significant High Needs Block revenue issues that the Authority will face in coming years should the damping in national funding formula not be released.

Resolved –

(1)       That the information provided in Document IV is welcomed and be       noted.

(2)       That a letter is sent from the Schools Forum to the Department for        Education (Lord  ...  view the full minutes text for item 322.

Members will be asked to approve the proposed approach to the election of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Schools Forum for 2018.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) reported that, as per the Forum’s agreed management procedures, the terms of office of the Chair and Vice Chair are for 1 year and both positions are now up for renewal. Members were asked to approve the proposed approach (by email) for the collection of nominations and for the election of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Schools Forum for 2018.

Both the Chair and the Vice Chair stated that they would like to stand for re-election.

Resolved –

That the established approach (email) be followed for the collection of nominations and for the election of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Schools Forum for 2018/19.

Action:          Business Advisor (Schools)

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document IW, which provides an update on the Forum’s membership composition. The Authority’s calculation confirms that our Schools and Academy members composition should not be adjusted further at this time; the split of maintained and academies membership is in line with pupil numbers, where the calculation of pupil numbers incorporates a forecast of academy conversions to take place during 2018.

Recommended –

The Schools Forum is asked to consider and to note the information provided.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document IW, which provided an update for information on the Forum’s membership composition. He explained that the Authority’s latest calculation confirms that our Schools and Academy members composition should not be adjusted further at this time as the split of maintained and academies membership is in line with pupil numbers, where the calculation of pupil numbers incorporates a forecast of academy conversions to take place during 2018.

The Business Advisor reminded the Forum than an academy vacancy is currently being held to be filled by a representative of alternative provision as we expect the conversion of maintained alternative provision in the next 12 months. He also explained that the announcements by the DfE in July may include directed changes to the composition of School Forums nationally. A report will be presented to the Schools Forum in September if this this is the case (if we required to adjust our composition).

Resolved –

(1)       That the information presented on the School Forum’s     membership be noted.

(2)       That the Authority’s proposal that the Forum’s membership        composition as it currently stands be retain for 2018/19 be supported.

Action:          Business Advisor (Schools)

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document IX, which provides an update on matters relating to the future development of National Funding Formula and the 2019/20 Dedicated Schools Grant. This update is provided following attendance at a DfE policy briefing session held on 18 June and is written in advance of the publication of more detailed operational guidance on DSG management for the 2019/20 financial year, which is expected later in July.

Recommended –

The Schools Forum is asked to consider and to note the information provided. Forum Members are also invited to attend a ‘Formula Funding Working Group’ session, on Monday 1 October (8am) or Tuesday 2 October (8am) or Thursday 4 October (8am). As last year, these sessions will enable Forum Members to consider in more detail the impact of formula funding decisions and to explore and guide the proposals for 2019/20 that will be set out for consultation in October.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document IX, which provided an update for information on matters relating to the future development of National Funding Formula (NFF) and the 2019/20 Dedicated Schools Grant. He explained that this update is provided following attendance at a DfE policy briefing session held on 18 June and is written in advance of the publication of more detailed operational guidance on DSG management for the 2019/20 financial year, which is expected later in July. As such, 2019/20 arrangements and NFF will be a significant agenda item at the Forum’s September meeting.

Referring to discussions that took place at the last meeting, the Business Advisor emphasised how uncertain the direction of travel and speed of progress to NFF currently is. The DfE appears to be indicating that the move to a ‘hard’ NFF in the Schools Block will not take place at April 2020, as previously expected. The DfE also appears keen to assert that decisions on NFF, and on other important matters, including the position of the funding of nursery schools, will not be taken until after the autumn 2019 spending review. the Business Advisor explained that this level of uncertainty will be difficult for the Authority and the Forum to manage and it may inevitably influence ‘cautious’ decision making on the allocation of the 2019/20 DSG.

Forum Members did not have any questions and did not make any comments.

Resolved –

(1)       That the information provided in Document IX be noted.

(2)       That Forum Members be invited to attend a ‘Formula Funding    Working Group’ session, on Monday 1 October (8am) or Tuesday   2 October (8am) or Thursday 4 October (8am).

ACTION:       Business Advisor (Schools)

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document IY, which asks the Forum to initially consider proposals for, and to agree for a consultation to take place with maintained schools on, the amendment of the Council’s Financial Regulations for Maintained Schools and School Contract Standing Orders, and subsequent amendments to the Scheme for Financing Schools. The outcomes of consultation will be presented to the Schools Forum on 19 September. The Forum is asked to note that, following the Forum’s discussion and decision on 19 September, the Financial Regulations for Maintained Schools and the School Contract Standing Orders will be presented to the Authority’s Governance & Audit Committee. The Authority intends to implement the agreed amendments as soon as possible following the completion of the consultation and decision making processes.

Recommended –

The Schools Forum is asked to initial consider the proposed amendments set out in Document IY and to agree for a consultation to take place with maintained schools on these amendments.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document IY, which asked the Forum to consider proposals for, and to agree for a consultation to take place with maintained schools on, the amendment of the Council’s Financial Regulations for Maintained Schools and School Contract Standing Orders, and subsequent amendments to the Scheme for Financing Schools. He explained that the Forum has decisions making authority over the Scheme and, if agreed, the outcomes of consultation would be presented back to the Schools Forum on 19 September. The Authority intended to implement the agreed amendments as soon as possible following the completion of the consultation and decision making processes.

The Business Advisor summarised the headline proposed changes, which includes the proposal to uplift the requirement in the CSOs for schools to request written quotations for spending from above £4,000 to above £10,000.

A Member responded to request that the time period of the consultation is extended to enable maintained school governing bodies to properly consider the proposed amendments in their early autumn term meetings. It was agreed that the time period would be extended, with a report coming back to the Forum on 17 October. Forum Members did not have any further questions and did not make any further comments.

Resolved –

(1)       That a consultation takes place with maintained schools on        proposed revision and re-issue of the Documents set out in         Document IY.

(2)       That the period of consultation is extended to close in October rather than in September, to better enable schools to consider the proposed amendments. That the outcomes of the consultation be       presented to the Schools Forum’s October meeting.

ACTION:       Business Advisor (Schools)

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document IZ, which provides the Forum with an update on the compliance of maintained schools with the Schools’ Financial Value Standard (the SFVS) at 31 March 2018.

Recommended –

The Forum is asked to consider & to note the information provided.

(Michael Parkinson – 01274 433148)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented the Authority’s annual report, Document IZ, which provided the Forum with an update on the compliance of maintained schools with the Schools’ Financial Value Standard (the SFVS) at 31 March 2018.

The Business Advisor stated that the DfE intends to adjust the requirements of the SFVS for schools from April 2019 to include a comparative ‘dashboard’. Further information on this was expected to be published in the autumn and will be discussed with schools. He also explained that the DfE expects to publish a voluntary standard for academies in the autumn.

Forum Members did not have any questions and did not make any comments.

Resolved –

That the information provided in Document IZ be noted.

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document JA, which provides the Forum with a summary of the categorisation of maintained schools within the Local Authority’s Financial Classification of Schools for the 2018/19 academic year.

Recommended –

The Forum is asked to consider & to note the information provided.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented the Authority’s annual report, Document JA, which provided the Forum with a summary of the categorisation of maintained schools within the Local Authority’s Financial Classification of Schools for the 2018/19 academic year. He explained how this classification (the increased number of schools placed in category C) evidences the challenging financial climate for schools. Forum Members did not have any questions and did not make any comments.

Resolved –

That the information provided in Document JA be noted.

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

·         Schools Forum membership

·         Update from the High Needs Block Steering Group

·         Update from the Schools Financial Performance Group (SFPG)

·         Update on School / Academy Budgets

·         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

The Forum is asked to note the information provided.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor reported that all updates on standing items have been covered in earlier agenda items and therefore, there was nothing further to report.

No resolution was passed on this item.

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

Please see the published schedule of meetings – the next Forum meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 19 September 2018.

Please note that Schools Forum meetings for the 2018/19 academic year are scheduled as follows:

·         Wednesday 19 September 2018, 8am

·         Wednesday 17 October  2018, 8am

·         Wednesday 5 December 2018, 8am

·         Wednesday 9 January 2019, 8am

·         Wednesday 16 January 2019, 8am  (provisional meeting)

·         Wednesday 13 March 2019, 8am

·         Wednesday 22 May 2019, 8am

·         Wednesday 10 July 2019, 8am

The next Forum meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 19 September 2018.

In closing the meeting, the Chair thanked all Forum Members for their input into the Forum’s work over the last year. The Chair also thanked Committee Secretariat and the other supporting officers for their contributions and advice.

Resolved –

That the Schools Forum meetings for the 2018/19 academic year be approved as scheduled, as follows:

·         Wednesday 19 September 2018, 8am

·         Wednesday 17 October  2018, 8am

·         Wednesday 5 December 2018, 8am

·         Wednesday 9 January 2019, 8am

·         Wednesday 16 January 2019, 8am (provisional meeting)

·         Wednesday 13 March 2019, 8am

·         Wednesday 22 May 2019, 8am

·         Wednesday 10 July 2019, 8am