Agenda item

            The Forum considered a report by Mr Ian Burbidge, Head of Finance, Schools, that included information on the latest position of the 2016/17 Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) settlements and budget.  He explained that following the Forum’s meeting on 12^th July 2016, the report addressed (a) an update on the Early Years 30 hours testing, (b) an update on the notional Special Educational Needs top-up funding, (c) the Tuition Services review, (d)  the Special Schools Primary provision, (e) the free school bids affecting Swindon, (f) the impact of the apprenticeship levy on schools in Swindon, (g) the de-delegation of funding, (h) the SALT review, (i) the High Needs moderation and (j), an update on the Early Years Consultation.

          Mr Peter Nathan, Head of Education referred to the successful implementation of the 30 hours free childcare offer being tested at Great Western Hospital, the Brunel Centre, Honda and BMW. Mr Burbidge explained how the Notional SEN was assessed and confirmed that whilst a budget of £709k was required, the current budget sat at £400k and proposed a number of changes to the formula to reduce the pressure on the budget. 

        Mr Peter Nathan and Mr Burbidge responded to members’ queries regarding:

• The three Notional SEN calculation proposals submitted for consideration and how they affected main stream provision.
• The proposed consultation regarding the increase in the number of places at Brimble Hill Special School and the infrastructure required if the proposal was approved. 
•  The promotion of apprenticeships within the Local Authority and the offer of support for schools wishing to employ apprentices.  
• The pressures faced by special school staff as the Special Educational Needs Assessment Team would no longer be undertaking the High Needs moderation exercise.
• The impact in Swindon of the Early Years Pupil Premium funding allocation, particularly for pupils with special educational needs.
• The distribution of the 5% Early Years Block funding retained by the Local Authority.

          Resolved: That it be noted:

          (a) That all mainstream High Needs funded pupils will be included in future calculations.

          (b) That a percentage of Age Weighted Pupil Unit (AWPU) is included in the Notional Income calculation and that this was anticipated to be between 1.3% & 1.75%.

          (c) The outcomes and recommendations from the tuition service

Review.

          (d) That the Local Authority intends to consult on increasing the number of pupils at Brimble Hill Special School.

           (e) That the Local Authority intends to increase the number of pupils at

Crowdys Hill Special School.

          (f) The current status of the bids that have been submitted to the Education Funding Agency to provide new free schools in Swindon.

          (g) The potential impact of the apprenticeship levy on schools in Swindon.

          (h) That members of the Forum be requested to consult with their relevant Headteacher Associations in order that in January 2017, they can vote on de-delegation arrangements of Free School Meals eligibility, Trade Union and the Nylands Campus Outreach Team.

          (i) That the Local Authority will be undertaking a review of the Speech and Language Therapy Service.

          (j) That the Minutes of the SEND Project Board be submitted for noting at the next meeting of the Committee on 17^th January 2017.

          (k) The changes to the High Needs moderation process.

          (l) The main aspects of the Early Years funding reform consultation.