Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Clive Wisby, Allan Symons, Christine Ingle, Elaine Pickering, Michelle Richards, Dominic Volpe and Cllr Chris McHugh.

The Forum is asked to approve as a correct record the minutes of the last meeting held on 8 February 2018.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2018 were agreed as a correct record.

Matters Arising

In terms of Elective Home Education, the meeting of GASH was postponed and no responses have yet been received from the primary sector. The item will be carried forward to the next meeting.

Carole Smith, Corporate Resources.

Forum received a report on the results of the Early Years Funding modelling for 2018/19. It was confirmed that the proportion has remained the same although the supplement factor values have changed due to data and more pupils in the PVI sector.

It was noted that the ACORN data is based on January’s census, however last year for new settings, the average ACORN score was used. Now the settings are established  and data is known the  both the deprivation and quality funding rates have slightly  increased.

RESOLVED    -           That Schools Forum noted the  EYSFF factors values

and noted the two-year-old funding rate.

Carole Smith, Corporate Resources

A report was presented regarding the proposed increase in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Superannuation rates from 2018/19.  It was reported that the LGPS rate will increase by 3.5% in 2018/19, therefore increasing the deficit to £9.842m. Employer contributions will increase to 30.15% with effect from 1 April 2018.  This requires an increased contribution from maintained schools of approximately £109,000.  The Forum was provided with the calculation used and the estimated impact on schools.

The point was made that maintained school staffing level has been stable whereas local authority staff have been reduced, therefore maintained schools are paying for more staff. It was confirmed that liability is factored into the calculation.

RESOLVED    -           That Schools Forum noted the increase in superannuation

rates from 1 April 2018.

Carole Smith, Corporate Resources

The Forum received a report to advise about a successful application for Growth Funding from Emmaville Primary School.

It was reported that a late application was made as the school did not realise it could apply. The circumstances of the school met all of the criteria; it is a growing school, extension work is being invested on the site and there has been above 10% pupil growth.

The calculation applied was AWPU rate x 33 pupils which equalled just over £55,000. However, the maximum allocation permitted for primary schools is £35,000 therefore that sum has been allocated to Emmaville Primary School.

It was questioned whether there is a plan around the overall growth in the area. It was confirmed that under the Core Strategy two years ago this was always the plan, the next element will be the impact on High Spen area, and there are some schools in the area which are currently half form entry. Discussions have been held with Headteachers in the area and the Core Strategy has been followed through. It was noted that housing continues to be built in the area and increased demand is eventually which will impact on other schools in the area. It was confirmed that growth of the school is not due to parental preference as the school is increasing numbers from reception upwards and it is not about children moving schools in the higher year groups.

RESOLVED    -           That Schools Forum noted that funding has been awarded to

Emmaville Primary School for growth in pupil numbers.

Carole Smith, Corporate Resources

A report was presented advising the Forum that, following agreement in November 2017 to provide £5,000 for security at the old Ravensworth School site, the site has now been handed over. A review of the use of this funding was carried out and total charges for security were £580, leaving £4,420 to be transferred back to DSG reserves.

RESOLVED    -           That the Schools Forum noted the funding provided for interim

security at the old Ravensworth Terrace site.

Alan Foster, Corporate Resources

The Schools Forum received the quarter three position of DSG for 2017/18.  It was noted that previously there was a £1.6m overspend, however current projections show this has reduced to £1.348m.  It was acknowledged that although this is not the best position there has still been a decrease by a significant amount.

DSG reserves currently total £3.167m, with the overspend forecast this would mean £1.819m to carry forward into 2018/19.  A review is underway to look at high needs spending to identify areas of saving, the result of the review will be brought back to the Forum at a later date.  It was acknowledged that the work of the High Needs Review Group needs to gather pace and a report will be brought back when there are proposals to be considered.

It was also clarified that all 4 blocks of the DSG are subject to Schools Forum review.

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

Thursday 17 May 2018 at 2pm

The date and time of the next meeting is Thursday 17 May at 2pm.