Apologies were received from Roger Hughes, Suzie Franklin, James Evans, Colin Kirkman and Jessica Humphrey.

Mike Lock, Vice Chair introduced the meeting on behalf of Roger Hughes and welcomed two Primary representatives: Helen Brown representing Jessica Humphrey and Debbie Main representing Roger Hughes.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th March 2013.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Schools’ Forum held on 4^th July 2013 were agreed as a true record.  Amendment to item 9 (i) to ....comments by 11 March 

Item 3(i) & (ii) Membership of School Forum: The Head of School Commissioning reported that having checked the Schools Funding Reform (School Forums 2014) proposed changes states that:-

“ ....we will require that all Forums include one elected representative from an institution (other than from a school or academy) providing education beyond age 16 (but may also be providing education for 14-16 year olds).  This will replace the current requirement for a representative from the 14-19 partnership. 

The School Forum agreed to the proposal of appointing a Post 16 Education representative and thanked Daneian Rees for his contribution as the 14-19 representative.

Item 3: (4) Funding for Induction for newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) Chair of TASH has informed schools of the changes to the funding for NQT induction and schools had been billed for their contribution to continue to buy into Oldway School programme.

Item 5: Head of Schools Commissioning has informed schools of the significant implications of permanent exclusions

Item 7: School Allocations 2013/14:  The Chair received no feedback on the proposals outlined in Appendix 1 and 2

Item 9: 2013/14 Review Consultation:  The Chair received no feedback on the review of the funding changes for the 2013/14 School Funding arrangement.

Action

i)                    Head of School Commissioning to clarify School Forum Membership, ask South Devon College for Post 16 Education and to propose effective ways to seek appropriate representatives for both a Primary/Academy Governor.

School Forum to note position and decide on under spend.

The Head of School Commissioning confirmed that the outturn for 2012/13 outturn was £126k despite significant overspends and under spends in the EOTAS and SEN budgets.

The School Forum thanked the Head of School Commissioning for his contribution in achieving the positive outturn.

The School Forum were asked to consider and reflect on two possible options; to share the £126k out to schools or carry this forward to the next financial year.

The School Forum agreed that this should be carried forward in light of the unknown high needs SEN Post 16 pressure.

The Chair asked for a vote to agree to carry forward the £126k which was purposed by Sue Foot and seconded by Debbie Main.

Actions

(i)            Expected SEN Post 16 pressure to be projected in out turn report at next meeting in October (MR)

School Forum to note the position

Lisa Finn asked the School Forum to note the contents of a briefing paper regarding the School Budget Return Analysis 2013/14.  This return details how schools plan to spend any unspent balance from the previous financial year.  It was noted that a number of schools had dropped out of the data as a result of becoming an Academy. 

The School Forum noted that the Local Authority has limited powers in how this money is used but does review schools whose balances are significant as a percentage of their revenue allocation.  No capital balances are included in the data.

School Forum to note the work of the group and discuss recommendations.

Lisa Finn informed the School Forum that two FAR meetings had taken place; the purpose of the self selecting group of School representatives (including Academies) was to review the 13/14 formula and debate the EFA 14/15 formula changes and make recommendations for any changes. 

The School Forum acknowledged the views and discussions in the Far 7 papers.

School Forum were asked to consider  a concern raised as to whether another FAR meeting should be arranged in light of new information being available relating to Pupil Mobility.  It was noted that the FAR group had agreed that a further meeting was no longer required as the Group had already agreed on their views on Pupil Mobility and Transience (no change).

The School Forum agreed that in view of the new guidance from the DfE concerning Pupil Mobility that another FAR meeting should be arranged to discuss the principle in September.

Actions

i)             Further FAR meeting to be arranged in September to focus on Pupil Mobility (MR/LF)

ii)            Mobility recommendations of FAR meeting in September to October meeting (MR)

School Forum to note guidance

The Head of School Commissioning asked the School Forum to note the paper on the School Funding Reform which had been reflected upon in FAR discussions.  He reported that there were no mandatory changes that Torbay had to do to be complaint with national regulations but that there are discretionary areas that Torbay can change if it wishes.

The School Forum reflected on how to promote and create changes in a fair and transparent way by better communication with schools. 

It was agreed that the current ways of communicating information with schools should be explored and investigated.

Action

i)             Report on effective information sharing with schools to be tabled at meeting in October 2013.

Discussed in item 3: Matters arising

17^th October 0900-1130 Boardroom Town Hall

5^th December 0900-1130 Boardroom Town Hall

9^th January 0900-1130 Boardroom Town Hall

6^th March 0900-1130 Boardroom Town Hall

The Forum agreed the following future meeting dates:

17^th October  2013 0900-1130 Boardroom Town Hall

5^th December 2013 0900-1130 Boardroom Town Hall

9^th January 2014 0900-1130 Boardroom Town Hall

6^th March 2014  0900-1130 Boardroom Town Hall