Agenda item

 Lisa Potts introduced the report (Agenda Item 9), which set out the details, cost and charges to schools of the services on which maintained schools’ representatives were required to vote on an annual basis. It was highlighted that ethnic minority and traveller achievement services (EMTAS) would be delivered differently for 2026/27 and that the school improvement function would now be funded from the LA’s revenue budget rather than through de-delegation.

Lisa Potts highlighted that while overall service costs had increased slightly in line with inflation, some per-pupil rates might rise because of expected academy conversions, reducing the number of pupils over which costs were spread. Final figures would be confirmed after the October 2025 census.

Keith Harvey enquired about the status of EMTAS. Neil Goddard firstly explained that the school improvement function would now be funded from the LA’s revenue budget as the service was taking on more of a strategic role as more schools converted to academies. Neil Goddard confirmed that EMTAS functions would be delivered differently. He confirmed that Gypsy Roma Traveller services would move to family hubs to provide broader support beyond schools, and that English as Additional Language (EAL) support would be absorbed into the school improvement service. Keith Harvey asked whether this change would increase costs for schools with a high number of EAL pupils.
Neil Goddard responded that because money was not being deducted for school improvement services, there should be more money in schools to purchase these services however, the basic level of service previously offered would continue.

The Chair drew attention to the recommendations under section two of the report, noting that recommendation 2.1 proposed de-delegation of the Promoting Inclusive Practise Service (PIPS) be voted on separately. He sought consideration of recommendation 2.2 and 2.3 and suggested a vote being taken on these items together:

2.2 Maintained primary, secondary, special, nursery and PRU heads to agree the De-delegations and Education Functions as set out under 4.5 of the report.

2.3 Maintained primary, secondary, special, nursery and PRU heads to agree the Health and Safety Service as set out in Table 5 of the report.

The recommendations above were proposed and seconded and at the vote with all maintained schools, the motion was approved. 

RESOLVED that recommendations 2.2 and 2.3 were approved by the Schools’ Forum. It was noted that PIPs would be considered as part of the next agenda item.