Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from S Mistry and M Arnull

Members to declare any interests in matters to be discussed at the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 7 November 2022 as a correct record.

Agreed that the minutes of the meeting held on 7 November 2022 be approved as a correct record.

School Forum Members to elect a Vice-Chair of the Forum.

No nominations had been received – J Barry indicated he was to be re-appointed.

Resolved J Barry appointed as Vice-Chair of School Forums

To approve the following named substitutions: -

•        L Paino as named substitute for S Baker

•        S Penny as named substitute for W Lawrence

•        A Connop as named substitute for J Barry

•        K Duff as named substitute for S Mistry

Resolved that the named substitutes be approved:

•        L Paino as named substitute for S Baker

•        S Penny as named substitute for W Lawrence

•        A Connop as named substitute for J Barry

•        K Duff as named substitute for S Mistry

Schools Forum considered the recommendations of the responses to the proposals outlined in the Schools Funding Consultation 2023-24.

The 2023-24 Schools Funding Consultation was issued electronically to schools on 11 November 2022 and contained seven questions.

The decisions of the Forum defined the budget setting processes for all schools and academies within the borough for the next financial year. The process would assist schools in preparing strategic plans, ensuring schools are able to create viable budget, staffing and curriculum plans.

The responses to the consultation was similar to previous years however there was a decline in the number of secondary engagement. 

Previous engagement was noted by the Forum:

Meetings had been held to explain the overriding principles contained within the consultation with the following stakeholders:

•        Joint Executive Group – 10 November 2022

•        Secondary Partnership – 17 November 2022

•        Joint Union Panel – 22 November 2022

•        Q&A Teams meeting – 23 November 2022

•        Primary Partnership – 24 November 2022

•        Association Sandwell Governing Bodies – 30 November 2022

Local Authorities had been directed to move closer to the National Funding Formula and it was advised that the amounts stipulated in the 2023-24 modelling options be treated cautiously.

There had been six large assumptions noted within the modelling options in question one which Forum noted would make it very difficult to give any certainties over funding for 2023-24. The assumptions were noted as:

•        The modelling assumed a growth fund of £1.664m

•        The modelling assumed £0.375m transfer of funding from the schools block to the Central Schools Services block

•        The modelling included 2 brand new factors and removed a factor from 2022-23.

•        The data supplied was on October 21 census data

•        The SSG grant would be rolled in to DSG for 2023-24

•        The £322m September funding used to model the figures is likely to be higher (based on past results and the announcement to increase school budgets by £2.3billion).

An enquiry was received concerning the figure used in model option 1 and 2 for the 10%/20% tightening of the EAL factor for the Primary Sector. The figure it was explained was not an error, but it was enforced by the DfE APT modelling tool and it was not possible to change this. Sandwell had been using EAL 2 for Primary Schools in previous years whereas the NFF (and DfE) had recommended that councils use EAL 3 (which roughly 2/3rd of EAL 2).  If the move to NFF was not compulsory, the council could have continue to use EAL 2 but with the move to NFF, there was no option but to use EAL 3. A suggestion to re-model and manipulate the Free Schools Meals factor to “compensate” for had been dismissed. As a result of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63/22

Forum members raised concerns regarding SEND top-up funding for pupils who required additional support. The Council stated that Schools Forum has agreed previously following a consultation that funding would not be increased for individual cases and instead it must be for all schools and all children.

Forum members raised concerns that EHCP provision was unable to be met due to funding constraints and highlighted the challenges that a funding gap creates. While Forum members accepted that a consultation had taken place in years previous, additional challenges now required a fresh look in new circumstances.

The Council confirmed that they are in contact with the DfE regarding the budget and funding and stated that Sandwell was one of only a few regions that are not in deficit.

Forum members requested that a Working Group be established to consider the Top-Up funding related available to schools to deal with increasing budget pressures.

Resolved that:-

Schools Forum establish a Working Group to consider the Top-Up funding available to schools to deal with increasing budget pressures.

Schools Forum thanked Andrew Timmins who was leaving Sandwell Council for all his support over the years and wished him well for the future.