Agenda item

Keith Watts introduced the report to Members of the Schools’ Forum regarding ‘Facilities Time’ and asked if there were any questions.

David Ramsden was concerned that some schools were not paying into the facilities service and therefore were being subsidised by those who were paying for the service. Keith Watts confirmed that this was not the case. There was a case worker for academies and academies were only entered outside of working hours. It was always stressed to academies that they should be buying into the service. Keith Watts was aware of the issue raised and confirmed that minimal support was provided to academies.

Lucy Dawe reported that a contract for ‘facilities time’ had been brought to her attention however, she did not have historical details on the contract for Denefield School and therefore needed further information. In house colleagues had also been unable to help with her queries. Keith Watts confirmed that he would contact Lucy Dawe outside of the meeting to discuss the contract further.

Graham Spellman asked Keith Watts if there had been an increase in demand for the service. Keith Watts confirmed that demand had largely increased due to three factors: redundancy processes; increases in case work for medial health/capacity and also support to Headteacher members who were being challenged over responsibilities between Headteachers and Governing bodies. This was often destabilising for the whole school. Keith Watts confirmed that they were working hard to have more robust systems in place.

RESOLVED that the Schools’ Forum noted the report.