Mike Lock was elected as vice chair, nominated by Debbie Main

Seconded by Adam Morris

Apologies were received from Maurice Codd and it was noted that Frances Ward (Primary Academy Governor) had resigned. The Chair will write to her, thanking her for her contributions

The Minutes of the meeting of the Schools’ Forum held on 15^th October 2015 were checked for accuracy and agreed as a true record.

a.    2015/16 ALFEY funding proposal was agreed via email

b.     Fair Funding

i)    Lisa Finn told the meeting that there will be a consultation on a new   national funding formula which will be implemented from April 2017 at the earliest

ii)   Amanda Haley will include changes to the Education Support Grant and   fair funding in future newsletters and relevant budget setting toolkits.

c.    Torbay Public Service Trust (TPST) – Richard Williams will bring an update paper to this meeting on 21^st Jan 16

(Jane Inett attended for this item only)

It was agreed that the Primary Teacher for looked after children will be funded from Dedicated Schools Grant for 2016/17 onwards.

Proposals for the use of the 2014/15 £180k DSG underspend

a) & b) Allocation to all Schools

It was agreed to allocate £159k to all schools based upon October 2013 pupil numbers.

c)          Schools Complex Case Referral Panel                                              It was agreed to allocate £15k to provide business support to the panel.A Report on the success of this panel to be included in Schools Forum meeting on 13^th October2016.

d)          Supporting Sexual Orientation and Identity Review                            It was agreed to fund the indicative cost for the review which is in the region of £6,000. The review is to be completed and returned to the Schools Forum on 10^th March 2016

ii)                            2015/16 Dedicated Schools Grant- Forecast Outturn                                DSG is forecast to underspend by £166k. LF, Finance Manager recommends that a watching brief is kept on the 15/16 DSG position.

iii)                          Education, Health and Care Plans (Statementing) Funding for 15/16                 

Within the DSG Underspend there is forecast to be a £40k overspend due to the increasing value of ‘top-ups’ above £6,000.

iv)                          Equal Pay Reserve Update.                                                                  The level of reserve stands at £630k. Schools Forum was reminded that the council’s legal advisors have recommended that the reserve should not be used for other purposes until July 2016. It was reaffirmed that after this time it will be used to fund the future costs of the Vulnerable Pupils project

a)            CAMHS Update

·         Difficulty recruiting schools CAHMS leader

·         Reviewed within a national advert

·         Health increased their contribution by £40k

·         Both nationally and locally, pupils are presenting with more complex issues

·         SACSG request high level, executive summary of the same data, contacts and impact

·         Government increased funding for CAHMS

b)                 TESS Update      

·         Approved new business support officer 30^th November Natalie Collins

·         There will be a pilot of the revised S175/157 surveys

·         Updating electronic handbook

·         It was noted that a review of TESS will be carried out

c)                   Challenging Behaviour Project

·      Autism – training received

·              Challenging Behaviour – The group is developing the role of FSWs and are about to recruit 3 outreach workers to work at the Chestnutsetting

8.    a)  De Delegation of services 2016/17 (Maintained Primary and                                                                                                        

                Secondary only)              

The Chair will write to John Cornish (NASUWT), informing him of the changed situation for Facilities/Union Activities

b) Centrally Retained Items 2016/17

(All Schools and Academies Included)                                                                                                                             

The Forum received an offer of £64k to fund family support workers in primary schools from this grant.

The Scheme is set up by government as payment by results system and schools to act as key stake holders. The proposal is to fund a family support worker at Kings Ash Academy, Ellacombe (Part of the LAP), Watcombe Primary and Barton Hill Academy. Funding to be given to schools for these appointments. Children’s services to contact schools in due course to make final arrangements.

3^rd December 2015  09:00-11:30 Mezz 3 Tor Hill House

7^th January 2016  09:00-11:30 Mezz 3 Tor Hill House

10^th March 2016  09:00-11:30 Mezz 3 Tor Hill House

Proposed Meeting Dates:

30^th June 2016

13^th October 2016

1^st December 2016

12^th January 2017

9^th March 2017

21^st January 2016 09:00-11:30 Large Meeting Room 1^st Floor Tor Hill House  (Please note the new date for January)

10^th March 2016 09:00-11.30 Room 3, Mezzanine Floor, Tor Hill House

30^th June 2016

13^th October 2016

1^st December 2016

19^th January 2017 – amended from 12^th January

9^th March 2017

The Schools Forum would like to thank Sue Foot for her contribution to this group and wishes her a happy retirement.

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