Agenda item

Action

Claire White presented a report on the school closing balances 2013/14.

Overall the schools’ closing balances 2013/14 were £152k lower than their closing balances 2012/13. The reduction in closing balances is particularly evident in the primary and secondary phases; primary school balances reduced by £508k and secondary school balances reduced by £542k (mainly due to John O’Gaunt’s deficit).

SCHOOLS CLOSING IN DEFICIT

Three schools submitted deficit budgets in 2013/14 John O’Gaunt, Parsons Down Junior and the Willows, however only John O’Gaunt actually closed with a deficit (£113k).

Four schools who had not submitted a deficit budget in 2013/14 closed the year in deficit; Beenham (£13k), Bradfield (£1k), Bucklebury (£14k) and The Ilsleys (£21k). It is expected that Beenham and Bucklebury will set balanced budgets in 2014/15.

SCHOOLS CLOSING WITH AN EXCESS SURPLUS

Three schools have closed with an excess surplus balance: Hampstead Norreys (£5k), Westwood Farm Infants (£9k) and Westwood Farm Juniors (£3k).

The Schools’ Forum examined the explanation from each school for their surplus to decide whether they were satisfied or whether the excess balance panel would need to be convened.

DECISION: The Schools’ Forum accepted the explanations from the three schools and decided to take no further action.

ACTION: Each school to be informed of the Schools Forum decision.

CWhite

It was noted that the special schools and PRUs closed with significant surplus balances, although they are outside the claw back scheme. Claire White explained that this is the first year operating with place plus top up funding and that their funding is volatile on a month to month basis.

ACTION: Claire White to look at what other LAs do and determine what should be a reasonable excess surplus balance threshold to place on these schools.

CWhite