No apologies were receieved for this meeting.

The minutes of the previous Schools Forum, held 11^th March 2021, were agreed as a true record.

In line with the Forums Terms of Reference, Lisa’s term of office as Vice-Chair has expired. There were no nominations received prior to this meeting, therefore it was proposed by Stewart and seconded by the rest of the Forum that Lisa be re-elected to Vice-Chair.

Rachael presented to members the latest financial report, containing a detailed breakdown of the outturn position for 2020/21. Whilst broadly in line with the previous financial report, members noted that the LA COVID grant has been used to offset salaries of employees funded by the DSG by approx. £195k.

In-year DSG funded activities are now overspent by £2.048m, leading to a cumulative overspend of £5.826m, with the main areas of significant pressure being the Higher Needs and Early Years blocks. Rachael explained that reductions in EHCP spend can be attributed to COVID, and that demand for EHCPs continues to grow. The SEN team are now holding additional EHCP panels to cope with this demand.

With this in mind, concerns were raised that the projections for 2021/22 may be understated, and members asked how we are justifying Torbay having the highest number of EHCPs in the country. It was explained that comparisons with other LAs is not possible yet, however SEN2 data is due to be published in mid-May. Rachael assured members that officers are continuing to work with SENCOs and that the LA is satisfied that Schools are doing all they can to manage need in school before requesting EHCPs.  

Members noted the findings of the report.

Members were shown three spreadsheets detailing the school allocations for 2021/22.

Rachael shared news of an ESFA safety valve agreement, whereby some LAs have been given monetary help to reduce their deficits. Members were shown details of the five LAs currently in receipt of this. Whilst it is uncertain how the ESFA has awarded this funding, it was noted that the LAs in receipt all have a deficit of 10-15%. Whilst Torbay’s deficit currently stands at approx. 5%, the Forum discussed whether Torbay should apply for this funding.

The ESFA has asked for a balanced recovery plan first, but members felt that lobbying for this help when the deficit is relatively low (when compared to the LAs already in receipt of funding) would give Torbay more chance of achieving a balanced budget. The LA has been in touch with Kevin Foster MP, who advised waiting for the SEND reforms consultation to be published as a mechanism for lobbying. Rachael has also met with the Municipal Journal and has raised the issue with them.

Members were asked to vote on the proposed approach of lobbying for additional funds and submitting a non-compliant recovery plan that is both realistic and achievable:

For: 12                        Unanimous

Against: 0

Abstain: 0

Members were shown an overview of the work of the Higher Needs Recovery Group, the progress made and their next steps. It was pleasing to note that the HNRG has used COVID intervention funding to benefit 115 children in Torbay.

A review of the banding system has not yet taken place, but is anticipated that this could led to savings of £200k. Whilst acknowledging that this is a relatively small figure, members were satisfied that the review was held for reasons of fairness, not financial, and will lead to greater equity.

Dan Hamer assured the Forum that the name of the Zero Exclusion project was in the process of being changes, after concerns from some schools that the name of the project was too emotive.

Members asked whether Governor training has taken place yet, it was explained that this has happened as part of the SEN review.

Members gave thanks for the update and expressed their wishes for the HNRG to continue their good work.

As requested at the March Forum, members were updated on Early Years funding now that national policy has been published. It was noted that 3 and 4 year old universal and extended entitlements are above 85% of the January 2020 census numbers, so no adjustment will be made to these. The 2 year old numbers are below 85%, so Torbay’s numbers will be adjusted. The adjustment will not be known until the LA’s headcount is submitted to the ESFA in the summer term; this will be submitted in June/July.

Following discussions held at the last Forum, Dan Hamer has met with Alex Newton to discuss new proposals for monitoring and supporting schools and families around Elective Home Education. Members had previously enquired as to the legality of the recharging method, however officers explained that whilst there is no statutory guidance, recharging was agreed by Schools Forum.

Four recommendations were put to members, with discussion revolving around recommendation three, that Schools Forum agree a maximum liability for any one case.  Members requested a change to the wording of this recommendation, and a vote was held as follows:

For Schools Forum to agree to a maximum liability for any one case, in line with the Minimum Funding Guarantee for the child, pro-rated across the year:

For: 13                         Motion Carried

Against: 0

Abstain: 1

Members asked if the proposals will be shared with primary colleagues as well. Officers agreed to share with all schools if adopted.

It was asked when this new approach would start. Officers agreed that this would be backdated to the 1^st April.

None.

·         EHE spending review

·         Thursday 17^th June, 09:00

·         Thursday 14^th October, 09:00

·         Thursday 25^th November, 09:00