Agenda item

            The Forum considered a report by Mr Ian Burbidge, Head of Finance,

Schools, providing an update on the 2016/17 Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) settlement, including (a) changes to the DSG Allocation, (b) an update on Special Resource Provision (SRP) funding, (c) Pupil Growth & Trigger Funding Policy (d) Hearing Impaired Outreach Service (e) Notional Special Education Needs Top-Up Funding, (f) new specialist 16 – 19 and Primary provisions, (g) in-year adjustment to the Notional Special Education Needs (SEN) Top Up funding, (g) Early Years 30 hours pilot and (h) Free School bids.

          Mr Burbidge referred to Appendix A of the report which set out communication to headteachers concerning school budgets and reported on the outcome of communication undertaken with the Education Funding Agency.  Members noted that following member meetings to discuss School Resource Provision Funding, a sub-committee had been set up to determine a medium to long-term solution within the present funding package. Mr Burbidge advised the meeting of the agreement with the School Resource Provision Group to support the Robert Le Kyng School Resource Provision Unit on this occasion.

            Mr Steve Colledge, Chair of Schools Forum, and Mr Burbidge responded to members’ queries regarding the following:

·        The difference in pre-opening start up costs between primary, secondary and special schools.

·        The reason why set up funding for 19-25 provision was not available for Special Schools.

·        That the Swindon Association of Primary Headteachers had discussed the new primary provision at Crowdy’s Hill School and they were in support of additional special school places for SEN primary schools students.

·        Confirmation that five Free School Bids affecting Swindon were being considered.

·        The effect of the Eastern Villages house expansion on school place planning.

·        The F40 Group recommendations to Government regarding the proposed funding arrangements. 

          Mr Burbidge reiterated the importance that all schools, with the support of their governors, respond to the various consultations regarding future funding. Members noted that meetings with SASH, SAPH and ASSSH were being undertaken to form a collected response to the consultation.

            Resolved - (1) That the Schools Forum approves that an additional £45k of one off funding package be made available for Robert Le Kyng Special Resource Provision.

            (2) That the School Forum notes:

            (a) That further to (1) above, officers will propose a long term solution for discussion at the October meeting.

            (b) That the continuation of the Hearing Impaired Outreach provided by Red Oaks will cost of £77,483.

            (c) The growth and trigger funding policy was not agreed in its current form and therefore will be reviewed and presented to the July Schools Forum meeting for approval.

            (d) That officers intend to review the Notional Special Educational Needs Policy and will present options to the July meeting for discussion.

            (e) That a report will be presented to the July Schools Forum with draft Post 16 funding allocations for the 2016/17 academic year.

            (f) That the Forum gave their view on the intention to open a new 16 – 19 Form provision at Crowdy’s Hill Special School.

            (g) That the Forum gave their view on the intention to open a new primary provision at Crowdy’s Hill Special School.

            (h) That Swindon has been selected to pilot the 30 hours of Early Years provision.

            (i) That five bids have been submitted to the EFA to provide new free schools in Swindon.

            (j) That the Strategic Planning Manager will be requested to circulate the link regarding the Eastern Village expansion. 

            (k) That the Head of Finance advised that links to the various consultations regarding funding were available via schools online.

            (l) That members of the Forum will meet in April to discuss a formal response to the consultations regarding future funding.