Agenda item

Ian Pearson presented the report (agenda item 12) on behalf on Michelle Sancho who was unable to attend the meeting. The purpose of the report was to give a review of the Vulnerable Children’s Fund (VCF) for 2016/17.

The report had been requested by the Schools’ forum and the VCF sat within the High Needs Block. The VCF was a highly appreciated, relatively small fund for small schools who experienced unexpected additional financial pressures due to in-year admissions of children with challenging behaviour. It was specifically devised to promote social inclusion, reduce exclusions and reduce the pressure on SEN budgets by providing temporary funding.

Ian Pearson reported that Table 1 of the report showed how the VCF had been utilised. Case studies were also provided at the back of the report using fictitious names.

Councillor Lynne Doherty referred to paragraph 3.3 and noted that only 13 schools had responded to a survey regarding the VCF. Councillor Doherty expressed the view that providing feedback should have been a condition of receiving the grant. Councillor Doherty felt that there was a lack in awareness of the grant and questioned how schools were made aware of its existence. Ian Pearson commented that most schools should be aware of how to access the fund and also had access to minutes of the Schools’ Forum however, effort would be made to publicise the VCF further. 

RESOLVED that the Schools’ Forum noted the report.