The Redbridge Schools Forum met on Tuesday 22nd March 2011 to discuss a range of financial and operational matters affecting local schools. Key decisions included the approval of changes to the Scheme for Financing Schools and the agreement to exceed the Central Expenditure Limit for the Dedicated School Grant.

Scheme for Financing Schools Updates

The Forum received a report detailing changes to the guidance on local authority schemes for financing schools, effective from 1st April 2011. These changes, highlighted in bold italics and deletions in strikethrough within the report, were presented by Principal Financial Adviser Shirley Drane. The Forum noted the report and agreed to the proposed changes, with a revised Scheme to be issued to schools and put into operation from the specified date. An update following consultation with schools is scheduled for the July Forum meeting.

Dedicated School Grant 2011/2012

A report was presented by Shirley Drane, Principal Financial Adviser, and the Director of Children's Services, updating the Forum on the Dedicated School Grant (DSG) for 2011/2012, following the January 2011 pupil census. The Forum noted the report and appendices, as well as comments on the updated proposals for distributing the DSG. A significant decision was made to agree to the Central Expenditure Limit being exceeded. The Forum also agreed to receive proposals at the July meeting for the distribution of the mainstreamed grant and SEN/AEN funding to PVI settings, along with further reports on DSG resources for 2011/12. The indicative allocation of Pupil Premium funding for 2011/12 was also noted, with an update on Pupil Premium and Post 16+ funding to be provided in July.

Single Status Update

Frances Whitehead, Human Resources Officer, provided a verbal update on the current position of Single Status. Proposals were presented to Cabinet in March 2010, followed by consultation with Trade Unions in June 2010. Feedback was received from GMB and Unite in October 2010, but no response was received from Unison. A report is due to be presented to Cabinet in May 2011, after which an offer will be made to Trade Unions, leading to a staff ballot. The Council will then need to agree to the proposals before implementation. A further newsletter is being prepared for staff and schools to update them on progress. While no schools have yet settled on single status, some have completed job evaluations. The Forum resolved that Frances Whitehead should pursue the preparation of the newsletter and that written feedback should be provided after the Cabinet report for discussion at the July Forum meeting.

Consultation on Replacement for Financial Management in Schools

The Forum was informed about the withdrawal of the Financial Management Standard in Schools by the Secretary of State for Education in November 2010. A new standard, provisionally named the School Financial Value Standard (SFVS), is to be introduced in summer 2011. The Forum noted the report presented by Shirley Drane and the Department for Education's consultation on the proposed Financial Value Standard.

School Meals Contract – ISS Facility Services - Education

A report from the Chief Services to Young People Officer provided an update on the school meals contract with ISS Facility Services - Education. The Forum noted the report and agreed to encourage schools to engage with the contractor to foster improvements and enhance the existing working relationship. Comments from Forum members regarding health and safety, food hygiene, portion sizes, and payments/debts were noted, with the Senior Manager – Governance & Resources to take these issues on board. The Forum also requested a summary of responses to a survey conducted by ISS and agreed that an update would be provided at the July meeting.

Standards Fund – 2010/11 Provisional Outturn and 2011/12 Update

The Forum received a report from the Chief Planning and Resources Officer detailing the provisional outturn position for the Standards Fund in 2010/11 and an update for 2011/12. The Forum noted the report and appendix presented by Senior Manager – Governance & Resources and agreed to receive a final outturn report at the July meeting.

Work Plan

A report from the Chief Planning and Resources Officer presented the final work plan for the 2010/11 municipal year and a draft for 2011/12. The Forum noted both work plans. Two items were agreed to be added to the work plan for the 13th July meeting: 16+ Funding and Single Status.

Election of Vice-Chair

David Thorogood was elected Vice-Chair for this meeting only.

Other Business

The Senior Manager – Governance & Resources will be looking into training for new members, covering induction on Forum business, processes, procedures, expectations, and finance.