The Bury Schools' Forum meeting on 18 June 2024 focused on addressing the DSG Deficit Position 2023-24, reviewing School Balances 2023-24, and discussing proposed revisions to the Scheme for Financing Schools. Key decisions were made regarding budget allocations and policy amendments to improve financial management within the schools.

DSG Deficit Position 2023-24

The forum discussed the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit for the 2023-24 financial year. The deficit has been a growing concern, with members noting that it has impacted the ability to fund essential educational services. The forum reviewed the detailed report outlining the current deficit and potential strategies for mitigation. One member highlighted,

The deficit is not just a financial issue; it affects the quality of education we can provide to our students.

The forum decided to implement a stricter budget monitoring process and explore additional funding sources to address the deficit.

School Balances 2023-24

The School Balances 2023-24 report was reviewed, showing the financial positions of individual schools within the council. The report indicated a mixed financial health across schools, with some having significant surpluses while others faced deficits. The forum discussed the need for equitable distribution of resources and agreed to provide targeted financial support to schools in deficit.

Proposed Revisions to the Scheme for Financing Schools

The forum examined the Proposed Revisions to the Scheme for Financing Schools, which included updates to financial regulations and procedures to enhance transparency and accountability. The revisions aim to streamline financial operations and ensure compliance with national standards. The forum approved the proposed revisions, with one member stating,

These changes are necessary to ensure our schools are financially robust and can continue to deliver high-quality education.

School Place Planning

The forum also briefly touched on the School Place Planning - Summary Final April 2024, which outlines the current and projected demand for school places in Bury. The summary highlighted the need for additional school places in certain areas due to population growth. The forum agreed to further discuss this issue in future meetings to develop a comprehensive plan.

Schools Forum Representation

Lastly, the forum reviewed the Schools Forum Representation June 2024 document, which proposed changes to the representation structure of the forum to ensure broader and more inclusive participation from various stakeholders. The forum approved the changes, aiming to enhance the decision-making process by incorporating diverse perspectives.