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.

·         Oastler Letter Panel Update: The Business Advisor reported thatthe additional information that was requested by the Panel is being collected and a meeting date for the Panel to conclude its recommendations on the Oastler School deficit budget matter will be set for the New Year.

·         Schools Unbilled Payroll: Forum Members asked at the last meeting for further information regarding the total value and number of schools that will have converted to academy before the matter is resolved. The Business Advisor reported that £156,000 has been re-paid with £661,000 still to be repaid. 9 schools have converted to academy and it is expected that a further 6 will convert before February 2017.

Resolved –

(1)       That progress made on “Action” and “Matters Arising” be noted.

(2)       That the minutes of the meeting held on 21 September 2016 be signed as a correct record.

ACTION:       City Solicitor