Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Steve Haigh, Christine Ingle, Peter Largue, Ethel Mills, Elaine Pickering, Chris Richardson, Jim Thomson and Clive Wisby.

The Forum is asked to approve as a correct record the minutes of the last meeting held on X

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 September 2016 were agreed as a correct record.

Carole Smith, Corporate Resources

The Forum received a report following the last meeting where it was agreed to the removal of some points contained in the updated Contingency Criteria. 

It was questioned whether the criteria includes Academies. It was confirmed that the guidance refers only to ‘schools causing concern’ therefore this would include all Gateshead schools.

RESOLVED    -           That the Schools Forum approved the proposed changes to

Gateshead’s Contingency Criteria.

Carole Smith, Corporate Resources

The Forum received a report which sought approval for the amended use of Early Years underspend. It was clarified that originally the Forum approved the use of £205,000 for a demountable classroom at Emmaville Primary School. However, over the summer work was undertaken with Technical Design to look at a more long term solution and it has been proposed that a one classroom new build extension can be provided for an additional £15,000.

The Forum agreed that for a minimum increase this is more substantive and long term work. It was confirmed that this is a holistic development of the site as there will be an increase in pupil numbers due to a new housing development in the area receiving planning approval. It was also noted that a developer contribution has been secured which could facilitate a two form entry. It was agreed that to use the additional money would give benefits of scale and would allow two year old places to be offered and increase primary numbers.

RESOLVED    -           (i)         That the Schools Forum approved the re-direction of

£205,000 from the provision of a demountable to the construction of a one classroom new build extension.

                                    (ii)        That the Schools Forum approved the allocation of an

additional £15,000 towards the construction cost of the one classroom new build extension.

Carole Smith, Corporate Resources

The Forum received a report on the work of the Early Years National Funding Formula working groups. Two groups were set up; a Strategic Officers group and an Early Years Single Funding Formula (EYSFF) sub group of the Schools Forum.

The EYSFF sub group will look at modelling a single formula for Gateshead and the implications on Gateshead schools. A date for the sub group’s first meeting will be set as soon as possible.

It was noted that there is no indication of the Government’s direction of travel yet, however information will need to be brought to the Forum by February.

RESOLVED    -           That the Schools Forum noted the contents of the report.

Carole Smith, Corporate Resources

The Forum received an update report from the Mainstream Schools Funding sub group. The group met last week and looked at process and principles and what area next year’s formula should focus on.

The next meeting of the sub group will be held on 2 November and a final report will be brought to the next meeting of the Forum.

RESOLVED    -           That the Schools Forum noted the contents of the report.

Thursday 8 December at 2.00pm

The date and time of the next meeting is Thursday 8 December at 1.30pm.