Local democracy

Agenda item

IMPLICATIONS - COVID-19 (DISCUSSION CONTINUED)

The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document MG, which follows from the information previously presented to the Schools Forum, in July and September, to provide an update on the financial implications of COVID-19 for the DSG and schools, academies and other providers.

 

This report also asks for the Forum’s view on possible arrangements for the operation of our Early Years Single Funding Formula (EYSFF) in the spring term 2021.

           

Recommended –

 

(1)       The Schools Forum is asked to consider and to note the information provided and to present any further points of concern             or feedback for the Forum’s awareness and consideration.

 

(2)       The Schools Forum is asked for its views on possible EYSFF    spring term 2021 arrangements.

 

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

 

 

Minutes:

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented Document MG, which followed from the information previously presented to the Schools Forum, in July and September, to give an update on the financial implications of COVID-19 for the DSG and schools, academies and other providers.

 

The report also explained to the Forum the difficulties the Authority currently has with presenting proposed arrangements for the operation of our Early Years Single Funding Formula (EYSFF) in the spring term 2021 and for protection that may be required in response to ‘lower than normal’ entitlement delivery. The report presented information on the cost of protection so far this year, which evidences that continued protection may represent a significant further call on Early Years Block reserves. The Business Advisor explained that the DfE’s announcements on spring term, as well as on the 2021/22 Early Years Block settlement, have not yet been made. These announcements are anticipated to be made next week. The Business Advisor stated that the Authority is seeking to convene the Early Years Working Group before the Christmas break with the aim of discussing options so that we can be in a position to put forward a recommendation to the Forum on 13 January.

 

Members made a number of comments in response to Document MG:

 

·         Children in early years have been substantially affected by the COVID-19 situation from the perspective of their school readiness. The Authority and schools must to continue to closely consider and to monitor the support that is in place to help this cohort as it progresses through school.

 

·         The position of pay awards in 2021/22, following the Chancellor’s announcement of a pay award ‘pause’, is more complicated than the Chancellor’s announcement suggests. For example, there are in place separate pay bargaining processes. How a pay pause for teachers in 2021 affects the Government’s previously stated intention, and the timing, of change to increase main pay scale salaries in support of the early career framework and teacher recruitment is also uncertain. This will give schools difficulties in their financial planning.

 

·         The Vice Chair referred to a recent meeting with Children’s Commissioner, in which the Commissioner stated that she wishes local authorities and schools to provide information on the additional substantial costs that are being incurred by schools in their COVID-19 management, so that representations can be made to appropriate organisations. The Forum agreed that a letter should be sent to the Children’s Commissioner from the Chair and Vice Chair of the Forum, which provides the Commissioner with a representative picture of the financial impact of COVID-19 management on schools in the Bradford District.

 

·         A Governor member added that representations to the DfE on the issue of costs in schools are being made by the National Governors Association.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       The Schools Forum noted the information provided in Document         MG.

 

(2)       The Schools Forum noted that the Early Years Working Group is          being convened and it is anticipated that the options / proposals      for our approach to early years entitlement funding in the spring     term 2021 will be presented to the Forum on 13 January.

 

(3)       That a letter is sent to the Children’s Commissioner from the      Chair and Vice Chair of the Schools Forum.

 

LEAD / ACTION:     Business Advisor, Schools

 

 

Supporting documents: