Knowsley Schools Forum - Thursday, 11th July, 2024 3.30 pm
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Knowsley Schools Forum
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About
The Schools Forum is a key consultation forum, especially on all aspects of resourcing schools in relation to the Schools Budget. It also has specified decision making powers as detailed in the Terms of Reference below:- 3.01 Role The Schools Forum is a key consultation forum, especially on all aspects of resourcing schools in relation to the Dedicated Schools Grant. It also has specified decision making powers (see 3.02). 3.02 Terms of Reference
(1) To appoint Co Chairs of the Schools Forum and determine voting procedures (within national regulations). May not be an elected member of the Council or officer in accordance with national regulations. (2) To provide a forum for discussion and consultation on resourcing schools in relation to the Schools Budget, including the Early Years Block, the Schools Block, the Central School Services Block and the High Needs Block including financial issues relating to the following
a) arrangements for pupils with special educational needs, in particular the places to be commissioned by the LA and schools and the arrangements for paying top-up funding;
b) arrangements for use of pupil referral units and the education of children otherwise than at school, in particular the places to be commissioned by the LA and schools and the arrangements for paying top-up funding;
c) arrangements for early years provision;
d) administration arrangements for the allocation of central government grants (3) To give a view on any exclusions from the minimum funding guarantee (MFG). (4) To be consulted on formula changes (including redistributions). (5) The Schools Block is ring fenced and the Schools Forum can approve movement of up to 0.5% from the schools block to other blocks. (6) Primary and Secondary School Representatives will vote, for their phase, on areas to de-delegate for mainstream schools as set out below. · contingencies · administration of free school meals · insurance · licences / subscriptions · staff costs – supply cover · support for minority ethnic pupils · support for underachieving groups · behaviour support services · library and museum services · School improvement (7) For the relevant maintained school members (primary, secondary, special and Pupil Referral Unit - PRU) to decide on General Duties funding for maintained schools for services previously funded by the Education Services Grant (ESG) General Duties funding. (8) To decide on the level of Central spend and the criteria for allocating funding from: · Funding for significant pre 16 pupil growth including new schools set up to meet basic need, whether maintained or academy · Falling rolls funding for surplus places in good or outstanding schools where a population bulge is expected within three years (9) To decide on the level of Central spend on:- · Early Years Block provision · Funding to enable all schools to meet the infant class size requirement · Equal Pay Claims Back Pay · Remission of boarding fees at maintained schools and academies · Places in Independent Schools for non SEN Pupils · Admissions · Servicing of Schools Forum · Contribution to responsibilities that Local Authorities have for all schools (10) To decide the level of central spend where expenditure has already been committed for each line on: · capital expenditure funded from revenue · contribution to combined budgets · existing termination of employment costs (costs for specific individuals must have been approved so no new redundancy costs can be charged) · schools budget funded prudential borrowing costs (11) To be informed of central spend on: · licences negotiated centrally by the Secretary of State · High Needs Block Provision (12) To carry forward a deficit on central expenditure to the next year to be funded by the Schools Budget. (13) To agree any brought forward deficit on de-delegated services which is to be met by the overall schools budget. (14) To approve changes to the Scheme of Financial Management. (15) To give a view and inform the governing bodies on contracts where the Local Authority is entering a contract (in excess of the EU procurement thresholds) to be funded from the schools budget at least one month prior to invitation to tender. (16) To consider the minutes of the DSG Resource Group and any other appropriate working groups. (17) To determine voting procedures in line with national requirements and regulations. (18) To refer issues, as appropriate, to the Strategic Lead for Education and/or the Cabinet Member with portfolio for Children’s Services. (19) To adopt and change the Constitution. 3.03 Schools Forum meetings There are three types of Schools Forum meetings: (a) the annual meeting; (b) ordinary meetings; (c) extraordinary meetings. (Please note that members of the public are welcome to attend Knowsley Schools Forum meetings although they may be asked to leave for certain confidential items. Limited space will be available and members of the public or press wishing to attend in person are strongly advised to register in advance by emailing committees@knowsley.gov.uk or telephoning (0151) 443 2679. The earliest you may register is following the publication of the agenda for the relevant meeting. Attendees will be required to show photographic identification (which must be an official, original document) and will be subject to security checks including a bag check and body scan (i.e. with a handheld scanning device). Full information on the Council’s Policy Statement Regarding Behaviour and Conduct (which includes further detail of the Council’s Security Procedure at section 4) may be viewed here. Please note that meetings will also be livestreamed via the following link: Home - Knowsley Council Webcasting (public-i.tv).)