Agenda item

Ashley Milum drew attention to the minutes from the last meeting and provided a summary of discussions that had taken place at the Heads Funding Group (HFG). It was noted that discussions had taken place around school balances, the Scheme for Financing Schools, deficit schools, clawback arrangements and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) timeliness.

It was further noted that an update had also been provided at the HFG regarding proposed training for Schools’ Forum members, including consideration of an induction-style approach for new members, which could also be shared with existing members, with further work to develop this offer.

Reverend Mark Bennet queried whether concerns raised by schools regarding the cost and quality of bought-back services had been discussed at the HFG. Ashley Milum reported that this had been briefly raised but noted that a wider review of services for schools had been commissioned by the Local Authority (LA) and was currently underway. Findings were expected later in the summer term, after which the matter would be revisited by the HFG.

Councillor Iain Cottingham commented that the LA recognised concerns relating to the quality and value for money of services and confirmed that improving these areas remained a priority, including consideration of services currently procured externally by schools.