Agenda item

The Forum considered a report (Agenda Item 11) which laid out the position of the Vulnerable Children’s Fund (VCF) as at the 2015/16 year end. The fund was used to support a school for a time limited period when pupils displayed challenging behaviour which might put them at risk of exclusion.

The table revealed that in 2015/16 there had been a reduction in requests to extend funding for a further time period. The VCF had been considered for a reduction in funding by the Forum earlier in the year but Heads were on the view it was a useful fund and a significant source of assistance.

Graham Spellman enquired how the fund was monitored in-year. Ian Pearson advised that Darren Suffolk would be the budget manager going forwards who would need to be stringent in considering applications for funding early in the financial year to ensure that there was still a balance available later in the year.

Stacey Hunter enquired how the impact of the Fund was measured. Angela Hay advised that primary schools particularly found it was important to access the VCF when children needed support. Chris Davis suggested that schools could provide case studies to testify to the VCF’s benefit.

Claire White reminded the Forum that for 2016/17 an additional £40k had been added to the VCF from the unused exclusion budget.

Patricia Brims concurred that case studies would be useful and asked that they be anonymised to safeguard pupil confidentiality.

RESOLVED that the report be noted. A selection of schools would be asked to provide case studies regarding the impact of the Vulnerable Children’s Fund.  (Action:  Cathy Burnham)