Local democracy

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Committee Room 1 - City Hall, Bradford. View directions

Contact: Asad Shah - 01274 432280 

Items
No. Item

364.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

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

 

 

365.

DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

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.

 

 

366.

MINUTES OF 17 OCTOBER 2018 & MATTERS ARISING pdf icon PDF 65 KB

Recommended –

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 17 October 2018 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

 

 

Minutes:

a) To agree the minutes of 17 October 2018 as a correct record.

 

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

 

·         Falling Rolls Fund / Under-Subscription (item 349 page 5): The sub-group met on 27 November and the feedback from this group is picked up under agenda item 10. Responding to the specific question that was asked, regarding how the Ofsted category of a recent academy conversion is determined, the ESFA has confirmed that the most recent Ofsted judgement for the school prior to conversion is to be used.

 

·         Formula Consultations (Items 350, 351 & 352): These consultations have been completed and feedback is presented to this meeting under agenda items 10, 11 and 12. An analysis of the feedback is tabled.

 

·         DSG Central Items and De-Delegated Funds (item 353 page 9): A further report is presented to this meeting under agenda item 14. This includes the re-issue of the analysis of Trade Union Facilities Time for the Forum’s consideration.

 

·         Amendments to the Scheme for Financing Schools (item 354 page 9): The Scheme and the other 2 documents (FRfMS and SCSOs) were agreed without amendment by the Council’s Governance Committee on 29 November. The final documents are now published on Bradford Schools Online with a ‘go live’ date of 1 January 2019.

 

·         PFI / BSF Contractual Matters (item 357 page 10): Having discussed this with the relevant officers, there is nothing further to report to the Schools Forum at this time. An update is anticipated to be provided to the March 2019 meeting.

 

Other Matters Arising

 

·         The Business Advisor reported that the ESFA has agreed to our ‘dis-application’ request for Silsden Primary School for 2019/20, which was agreed by the Schools Forum in September.

 

·         The DfE’s the Teacher’s Pay Grant for 2018/19 has now been allocated. The DfE required the Authority to determine the allocation of a block grant to high needs providers. We did this in consultation with the District Achievement Partnership and separately with the providers that were not present at the DAP meeting where this was considered.

 

·         The DfE has not yet published its consultation on the future funding arrangements for education in hospital and medical home tuition provision. This had been expected in October. The Business Advisor stated that we are concerned about this consultation as we currently receive a specific allocation of £1.6m within our High Needs Block and have ‘heard on the grapevine’ that the values of funding to be allocated through a new formula are substantially reduced. If so, this would place greater pressure on our DSG.

  • Unplaced children at the October Census: The Business Advisor reminded Members that in previous years we have reported the number of children that were ‘in the system’ but have not been allocated a place in a primary or secondary school before the October Census was taken. On a simple basis, we do not receive DSG funding for the children that are not placed by this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 366.

367.

MATTERS RAISED BY SCHOOLS

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

 

 

368.

STANDING ITEM - DSG SCHOOLS BLOCK GROWTH FUND ALLOCATIONS pdf icon PDF 26 KB

Members will be asked to consider, in Document JP, newly proposed allocations to secondary schools and secondary academies from the established DSG Schools Block Growth Fund in 2018/19.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       The Schools Forum is asked to agree to allocate a total of           £486,816 from the Secondary Growth Fund in 2018/19 to schools        and academies as set out in Document JP.

 

(2)       Members are asked to note that an indicative total sum of            £1,122,628 of surplus balance within the Growth Fund is ring-          fenced and is forecasted to be carried forward into 2019/20. The            Schools Forum will be asked to consider the allocation and        retention of this balance in support of Growth Fund costs in 2019/20 at the meeting 9 January 2019.

 

        (Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

 

 

Minutes:

Members were asked to consider, in Document JP, newly proposed allocations to secondary schools and secondary academies from the established DSG Schools Block Growth Fund in 2018/19. These were agreed without questions or comments.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That £486,816 be allocated from the Secondary Phase Growth   Fund as set out in Document JP.

 

(2)       That a forecasted sum of £1,122,628 of surplus balance within the        2018/19 Growth Fund is ring-fenced and is to be carried forward    into 2019/20.

 

ACTION: Business Advisor (Schools)

 

 

369.

STRATEGIC SEMH & SEND REVIEWS

A progress update will be provided on the Authority’s strategic reviews of SEND and Alternative Provision.

           

Recommended –

 

Members are asked to consider and to note the update.

 

            (Marium Haque– 01274 431078)

 

 

Minutes:

The Deputy Director, Education and Learning, provided an update on the Authority’s strategic reviews of SEND and Alternative Provision. The Deputy Director reported:

 

·         That the Authority is currently engaged in a number of discussions with schools and providers about the development of our SEND provisions and our alternative provisions.

 

·         That an outline plan for the development of additional specialist places during 2019 will be presented to the Schools Forum on 9 January. This plan will set out the number of places by type of need, by type of provision and by district area. The timescale for the establishment of these places is mainly September 2019. However, the Authority recognises the urgency of this work and will establish places sooner where possible. The SEND Intelligence and Sufficiency Manager added that there are statutory processes that need to be followed and that these are different for the academy sector. She also explained that the Authority is looking in detail at how spare buildings capacity within schools and across the Council’s wider estate can now be used to develop SEND places capacity. A number of conversations are taking place with schools on this.

 

The Chair asked for an update on the position of the SEMH free school. The Deputy Director stated that interviews with potential sponsors were held on 23 November and, at this time, we are not able to disclose the outcomes - decisions need to be ratified by the Secretary of State and this is expected before Christmas.

 

The Chair asked for an update on the position of our application for a new ASD free school. The SEND Intelligence and Sufficiency Manager stated that no further response to our application has yet been received. The Chair asked whether there is any further lobbying that can be done on this. The SEND Intelligence and Sufficiency Manager responded that lobbying has already taken place and also that we need to bear in mind that this new school, if we are successful, would not be in place until 2023. The Deputy Director added that there will be a general election before this and this might affect the actually delivery of any new free school. Accepting this, the Chair stressed that given the number of additional places needed in Bradford this is still a strategy that we need to continue to pursue.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That the update be noted.

 

(2)       That the Authority’s plan for the creation of additional specialist            places be presented in outline to the next meeting.

 

 

370.

PUPIL PREMIUM GRANT FOR CHILDREN LOOKED AFTER pdf icon PDF 10 KB

The Schools Forum is asked to consider a report, Document JR, which sets out the Local Authority’s plan for the allocation of Pupil Premium Grant for Children Looked After from April 2019.

           

Recommended –

 

The Forum is asked to consider this report.

 

            (Marium Haque– 01274 431078)

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Schools Forum was asked to consider a report, Document JR, which set out the Local Authority’s plan for the allocation of Pupil Premium Grant for Children Looked After from April 2019. This report set out the Authority plan to retain 50% of LAC PPG from April 2019, which is in more line with the position of PPG retention regionally.

The Headteacher of the Virtual School (VSH) explained the reasons for this change and the purposes for which the monies are to be retained, focusing in particular on the feedback and challenge from HMI within the recent ILACS. He stressed that the impact of these monies will be reviewed annually.

 

In the discussion on this report, Members asked the following questions and made the following comments:

 

·         How did HMI comment on the effectiveness / impact of the currently retained 25% of PPG? The VSH responded that HMI’s feedback was very clear – that where the Virtual School intervenes there is strong evidence of impact but that the central team is too small and too many schools are not delivering sufficient outcomes with their 75%. HMI questioned why, in this position, when outcomes for LAC have been low, the VSH has not reviewed the PPG retention / allocation model.

 

·         Special schools no longer (from September 2019) have a mechanism for showing pupil progress. How will the VSH evidence to HMI impact on LAC outcomes and effective use of PPG for the special school sector? The Deputy Director responded that the VSH and HMI will use PEPs and will inspect impact on a detailed case by case basis.

 

·         The retention of 50% LAC PPG takes more resource away from schools. The VSH responded that “centrally retained” does not mean that this money is lost to schools. Schools can apply for, and the VSH allocates, additional monies from the retained funds on a pupil-specific basis to provide additional targeted support.

 

·         The retention of more monies penalises schools that are currently doing well. The VSH responded that this change will reduce the funding for some schools but that the VSH has to manage the resources available for the needs of all LAC across the district. Greater retention does enable more resources to be deployed in support of individual children where this is required. The VSH is also responsible for our LAC in OLA and independent provisions and our lack of capacity to monitor this currently was criticised by HMI during the inspection.

 

·         It would be useful for regular feedback to be given to schools where their provisions for LAC are not judged by the VSH to be adequate. The VSH responded that this will happen following the expansion of the capacity of the Virtual School. The Chair added that schools will wish to see a “more visible” VSH service on the back of increased retention.

 

·         What will the 50% be spent on – people or grants to schools? The VSH responded that it will be spent on both increasing the size of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 370.

371.

2018/19 DSG SPENDING AND CARRY FORWARD BALANCES FORECAST pdf icon PDF 45 KB

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document JS, which updates Members on the forecasted spending positions of each of the DSG Blocks in 2018/19. This document gives Members a view of the estimated values of balances to be carried forward into 2019/20 and a view of the uses of these balances.

           

Recommended –

 

Members are asked to consider whether sufficient information has been provided to enable final recommendations to be made on 9 January 2019 on the allocation and / or retention of estimated DSG balances.

 

         (Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document JS, which updated Members on the forecasted spending positions of each of the DSG Blocks in 2018/19. This document gave Members a view of the estimated values of balances to be carried forward into 2019/20 and a view of the uses of these balances.

 

The Business Advisor presented Appendix 1, which set out the estimated spending positions by main heading within each of the 4 DSG blocks. He explained the main reasons for the spending variances vs. the planned budget. He also emphasised that these spending forecasts were based on estimates calculated in November and as such, were subject to movement. The final position of balances will be presented to the Forum in July 2019. Forum Members did not ask any questions and did not have any further comments on Appendix 1.

 

The Business Advisor presented Appendix 2, which proposed an approach to the allocation / retention of the balances forecasted to be carried forward in 2019/20. In particular, the Business Advisor explained, as set out in the report, why it is proposed to retain the majority of monies forecasted to be brought forward within the Early Years Block and within the High Needs Block, rather than to allocate these to additional spending in 2019/20.  The Business Advisor also highlighted that a large proportion of balances to be brought forward within the Schools Block are already committed by decisions previously taken by the Schools Forum or are ring-fenced for Growth Fund or for de-delegated funds.

 

A Member representing maintained Special Schools asked whether the financial support model for Beckfoot Upper Heaton Academy (the remaining £1.3m for the final 2 years) should be reviewed (or withdrawn) where the academy is now operating in surplus. The Business Advisor explained that a formal commitment has been given to the Trust, which is written into the Trust’s Academy Finance Agreement, for the financial support model to be completed as agreed. This model was constructed on detailed budget modelling and adjusts annually for pupil numbers. As such, it is probably un-realistic to expect that this agreement can be reviewed or withdrawn. The Member stated that we should have better considered this at the time the agreement was given. The Chair asked whether it would be possible to discuss with the Trust the academy’s financial position with a view to looking again at the final 2 years of support. The Deputy Director, Education and Learning, stated that the Authority will approach the Trust on this matter on the basis that the Schools Forum has asked for a review of the position of the final 2 years of financial support.

 

In concluding this agenda item, the Chair offered the Forum’s support for retaining balances for the purposes of safeguarding the DSG’s future financial position and for a stable use of balances, seeking to avoid ‘boom and bust’ approaches in the quick release and then withdrawal of monies within school and provider delegated allocations.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       The Schools  ...  view the full minutes text for item 371.

372.

2019/20 DSG UPDATE pdf icon PDF 32 KB

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document JT, which provides a summary-level indicative forecast of the DSG income / expenditure position for the 2019/20 financial year.

 

Recommended –

 

Members are asked to consider the information presented in the report, for reference, in advance of making final recommendations on 9 January 2019.

 

         (Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document JT, which provided a summary-level indicative forecast of the DSG income / expenditure position for the 2019/20 financial year.

 

The Business Advisor took Members through the forecast by block. He focused his presentation on the bullet points set out on pages 30 and 31 of the report pack. He emphasised the position of the High Needs Block and how the estimated £3m budget gap is proposed to be met, including the transfer of £2m from the Schools Block that has been consulted on. He also emphasised that the allocation of the 2019/20 planned high needs budget is expected to move between budget headings as the Authority’s places plan, and other SEND and AP reviews, develop.

 

Referring to the expected growth in cost of OLA / independent placements, the Chair asked whether this growth could be vired to fund Bradford-located places. The Deputy Director, Education and Learning, stated that it is un-realistic to expect to reduce OLA / independent placement cost through returning pupils already placed. However, our strategy will focus on securing a larger number of Bradford-located places that will appropriately meet the needs of more pupils at a lower per-capita rate - ‘cost-avoidance’ going forward. The Member representing maintained special schools added that our financial strategy needs to ensure that we can meet the needs of pupils in the most effective way possible in the most appropriate provision.

 

Resolved –

 

That the Schools Forum notes the indicative 2019/20 DSG income / expenditure position.

 

 

373.

CONSULTATION OUTCOMES - PRIMARY AND SECONDARY FORMULAE pdf icon PDF 20 KB

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document JU, which asks Members to consider the outcomes of the consultation of Schools Block formula funding and centrally managed funds. Please note that an appendix to Document JU will be tabled at the meeting, which will set out the feedback received. This report includes further information on the proposal for the establishment of a Falling Rolls Fund, as well as further discussion on place-planning matters, which have been raised by Members in the last two meetings.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       The Forum is asked to consider the outcomes of the consultation        and whether any of the proposals on the primary and secondary            funding formulae for 2019/20 should be changed in the light of      responses.

 

(2)       The Forum is asked to consider the additional information          presented on the matters raised by Members in September and October regarding place-planning and the proposal for the             establishment of a Falling Rolls Fund.

 

(3)       Members are asked to note that they will be asked to make final             recommendations on the Schools Block formulae, and the criteria             for the allocation of Schools Block funds, on 9 January 2019. As    such, Members are asked to consider whether sufficient information has now been provided to enable these   recommendations to be made.

 

            (Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document JU, which asked Members to consider the outcomes of the consultation on Schools Block formula funding and Schools Block centrally managed funds. The Business Advisor summarised the proposals and referenced the responses analysis, which was presented to the meeting. He also summarised the feedback from the sub-group, which met on the 27 November to discuss place-planning, falling rolls and under-subscription.

 

The Business Advisor stated that, although there was a low response rate to the formal formula consultation, from presentations at a number of forums, there appears to be general approval of the proposals, including an acceptance of the necessity for a transfer of monies from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block in 2019/20.

 

The bulk of the Forum’s discussion responded to the feedback from the sub-group on falling rolls.

 

·         An Academies Member asked the Business Advisor to clarify that the potential cost of a new Falling Rolls Fund for the primary phase in 2019/20, if this is established, will be met within the existing funds structure i.e. will not require further top-slice of delegated budgets. The Business Advisor confirmed that this is the case – that the cost of a new Falling Rolls Fund of £0.25m is planned to be funded from the release of funds from the reduction in the value of the Growth Fund. He also confirmed that the Authority is minded to propose that, where the Forum agrees to support eligible maintained primary schools, that this would be done using existing de-delegated funds and / or brought forward balances within these funds and / or will be asked to make provision retrospectively through de-delegation in 2020/21 rather than via new provision now.

 

·         The Chair stated that a clear theme from the sub-group meeting was for the Authority to take appropriate action, outside of the DSG, to adjust PANs and to control the expansion of schools. A Maintained Primary School Headteacher Member added that the whole-school impact of adjustments to PANs as a solution needs to be carefully considered and managed.

 

·         A Maintained Primary School Governor Member stated that the use of spare school building space for SEND provision is also now part of a potential solution and that place-planning and SEND planning are more closely working together on this.

 

·         The Deputy Director, Education and Learning stated that the Authority must act to resolve the current system issues as quickly as possible. This includes taking an approach to expansion that is more measurable and sustainable. We must also learn from past mistakes so that we manage more effectively the profile of demographic change as this moves from the primary into the secondary phase.

 

·         An Academies Member added that the needs of local communities must continue to be included in the Authority’s planning.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That the analysis of the consultation responses be noted.

 

(2)       That sufficient information has been provided to enable the        Schools Forum to make its final recommendations on 9 January   2019 on the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 373.

374.

CONSULTATION OUTCOMES - EARLY YEARS SINGLE FUNDING FORMULA 2019/20 pdf icon PDF 24 KB

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document JV, which asks Members to consider the outcomes of the consultation on the 2019/20 Early Years Single Funding Formula. Please note that an appendix to Document JV will be tabled at the meeting, which will set out the feedback received.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       The Forum is asked to consider the outcomes of the consultation        and whether any of the proposals should be changed in the light           of responses.

 

(2)       Members are asked to note that they will be asked to make final             recommendations on the Early Years Block formulae on 9 January            2019. As such, Members are asked to consider whether sufficient information has now been provided to enable these final recommendations to be made.

 

         (Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document JV, which asked Members to consider the outcomes of the consultation on the 2019/20 Early Years Single Funding Formula.

 

The Business Advisor summarised the proposals and referenced the responses analysis, which was presented to the meeting. He highlighted the low response rate. He stated that the responses that have been received do not suggest that there is objection to the EYSFF structure and approach that has been proposed, including the introduction of the holistic Early Years SEND Inclusion Fund. The focus of the criticism within some responses is the insufficiency of the rates of funding, as these have not increased in line with salaries costs. He reminded Members of the impact of the DfE’s national early years funding reform (which has reduced Bradford’s 3&4 year old Early Years Block funding by 10%) and of the current strategy to use one off monies to uplift the value of the 3&4 year old universal base rate in the short term to help protect against the full impact of this reduction. The Business Advisor also reminded the Forum of the intended holistic review of Bradford’s EYSFF for 2020/21 and of the significant uncertainty around national early years funding going forward.

 

Forum Members did not ask any questions and did not make any further comments.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That the analysis of the consultation responses be noted.

 

(2)       That sufficient information has been provided to enable the        Schools Forum to make its final recommendations on 9 January   2019 on the Early Years Block formulae for 2019/20.

 

 

375.

CONSULTATION OUTCOMES - FUNDING HIGH NEEDS 2019/20 pdf icon PDF 25 KB

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document JW, which asks Forum Members to consider the outcomes of the consultation on the 2019/20 High Needs Funding Model and the planned number of high needs places to be commissioned. Document JW also gives an update on the position of other strategic high needs funding matters, provided in advance of asking Members to make final recommendations on 9 January 2019.Please note that an appendix to Document JW will be tabled at the meeting, which will set out the feedback received.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       The Forum is asked to consider the outcomes of the consultation        and whether any of the proposals should be changed in the light           of responses.

 

(2)       Members are asked to note that they will be asked to make final             recommendations on the structure of the High Needs Block             funding formulae on 9 January 2019. As such, Members are asked           to consider whether sufficient information has now been provided       to enable these final recommendations to be made.

       

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document JW, which asked Forum Members to consider the outcomes of the consultation on the 2019/20 High Needs Funding Model and the planned number of high needs places to be commissioned. Document JW also gave an update on the position of other strategic high needs funding matters.

 

The Business Advisor summarised the proposals and referenced the responses analysis, which was presented to the meeting. He emphasised that the gist of the consultation was for general continuity in formula funding mechanisms in 2019/20, pending much greater review and change expected from April 2020.

 

The Chair asked for clarification that the outline plan for further places development during 2019, which is to be presented to the Forum on 9 January, is not yet shown within the figures in Document JW. The Business Advisor confirmed that this is correct – that the outline plan will add to these places figures.

 

The Chair also asked for an update on the position of the re-designation of identified PRUs to special school provision (which is intended to draw down more High Needs Block funding from 2020/21). The Deputy Director, Education and Learning, explained that this is not a simple nor quick process but that the Authority is currently in discussions about these provisions and is seeking to move forward as quickly as we reasonably can. The Member representing maintained PRUs stated that he welcomes the strategic vision that the Deputy Director has brought to the position of the PRUs and to the resolution of these issues.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That the analysis of the consultation responses be noted.

 

(2)       That sufficient information has been provided to enable the        Schools Forum to make its final recommendations on 9 January   2019 on the High Needs Block funding formulae for 2019/20.

 

 

376.

INDICATIVE BUDGETS 2019/20 PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIES pdf icon PDF 15 KB

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document JX, which provides Members with updated indicative modelling of Primary & Secondary delegated budget shares in 2019/20, using the pupil numbers taken from the October 2018 Census. This modelling is tabled only for information at this stage, prior to asking Members to make final recommendations on 9 January 2019.

           

Recommended –

 

(1)       The Forum is asked to note the Primary and Secondary modelling        information. A further update will be provided on 9 January, when Forum Members will be asked to make final recommendations on        the values of funding allocated via each formula factor.

 

(2)       Members are asked to consider whether sufficient information has       been provided to enable final recommendations to be taken on 9        January on the matters presented in    this report.

 

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document JX, which provided Members with updated indicative modelling of Primary & Secondary delegated budget shares in 2019/20 using the pupil numbers taken from the October 2018 Census. This modelling was tabled only for information at this stage, prior to asking Members to make their final recommendations on 9 January 2019.

 

The Business Advisor highlighted that this modelling shows a) the expected changes in the numbers of funded pupils in each school and academy and b) the continued reliance of the primary phase on the Minimum Funding Guarantee.

 

Forum Members did not ask any questions and did not make any further comments.

 

No resolution was passed on this item.

 

 

377.

CENTRAL SCHOOLS SERVICES, EARLY YEARS & SCHOOLS BLOCK FUNDS pdf icon PDF 36 KB

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a follow up report, Document JY, which asks Forum Members to further consider the position of the funding of Schools, Central Schools Services and Early Years Block central and de-delegated items in 2019/20, following the initial discussion had in the meeting of 17 October 2018. This report includes the re-issue of the value for money analysis of Trade Union Facilities Time arrangements, which was initially considered by the Forum in March 2018.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       Members are asked to note the information provided in the report.

 

(2)       Members are asked to consider whether any further information is       needed to enable final recommendations and decisions to be           taken on 9 January 2019 on the funding of centrally managed and          de-delegated Early Years, Schools and Central School Services            Block items in 2019/20.

 

         (Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a follow up report, Document JY, which asked Forum Members to further consider the position of the funding of Schools, Central Schools Services and Early Years Block central and de-delegated items in 2019/20, following the initial discussion had in the meeting of 17 October 2018. This report included the re-issue of the value for money analysis of Trade Union Facilities Time arrangements, which was initially considered by the Forum in March 2018.

 

The Business Advisor presented Appendix 1 and explained the positions of, and proposals for, each of the funds listed. The Business Advisor also highlighted that the Authority is currently closing down the accounts of 4 sponsored primary schools that have converted to academy during autumn 2018 where 3 of these are likely to hold deficit balances, which will be charged to the existing de-delegated fund. The Forum will receive a report on this in March 2019.

 

The Business Advisor explained that £0.25m of the forecasted surplus balance with the de-delegated maternity / paternity insurance scheme is proposed to be released in 2019/20 to reduce the cost for primary schools. The Authority proposes more generally however, to take a cautious approach to the management of the forecasted brought forward balances within de-delegated funds, recognising the pressure that might come from the deficit balances of primary sponsored conversions, that the Forum’s discussions on the possible use of de-delegated funds for supporting falling rolls / under-subscription have not yet been completed and that the Authority would wish to avoid ‘boom and bust’ budgeting, where costs related to de-delegated funds swing up and down significantly year on year. Members did not ask any questions and did not make any further comments.

 

Referencing the re-issue of the value for money analysis of Trade Union Facilities Time arrangements, the Business Advisor summarised the key aspects of the comparison of our spending with that in other local authorities and stated that currently around 50% of academies have bought into the Authority’s arrangements in this year. The Chair asked Members whether they were satisfied that they have sufficient information on this matter. Forum Members confirmed that they were. The Member representing the Teacher Trades Unions, having declared his interest, added that the level of buy in from academies once complete for this year is expected to be in the region of 75% - higher than has been in previous years. As a result, it may be possible for the per pupil cost to be reduced further going forward.

 

Resolved –

 

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

 

(2)       That sufficient information has been provided to enable the        Schools Forum to make its final recommendations on 9 January   2019 on the funding of centrally managed and de-delegated Early Years, Schools and Central School Services Block items in         2019/20.

 

 

 

 

378.

SCHOOLS FORUM STANDING ITEMS

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

·         Update from the Schools Financial Performance Group (SFPG)

·         Update from High Needs Block Steering Group (HNBSG)

·         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

 

Recommended –

 

The Forum is asked to note the information provided.

 

         (Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

 

 

Minutes:

The Business Advisor confirmed for the Schools Forum that 3 primary schools converted to academy status on 1 November 2018. This means that there are 109 maintained schools. A possible further 15 to 20 conversions may take place over the next 12 months.

 

No further updates on standing items were given.

 

Resolved –

 

That the update on standing items be noted.

 

 

379.

AOB / FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

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

 

 

380.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Please see the published schedule of meetings –

 

·         The next Forum meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 9 January 2019.

·         A provisional meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 16 January 2019 (if this is needed to complete 2019/20 DSG recommendations).

 

 

 

 

(a) Denotes an item for action

(i)  Denotes an item for information

 

 

Minutes:

Please see the published schedule of meetings –

 

·         The next Forum meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 9 January 2019.

·         A provisional meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 16 January 2019 (if this is needed to complete 2019/20 DSG recommendations).

 

_________________________________________________

 

FROM:   

Parveen Akhtar

City Solicitor

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council

 

Committee Secretariat Contact:

Asad Shah, 01274 432280

 

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