Issue - meetings

The Forum considered a report providing detailed feedback on the consultation with schools regarding bulge class/expansion funding.

A circular outlining in detail the funding proposals was sent out to all schools and in total ten responses were received.  A meeting of the Primary Head Teachers Group was held on 1 October 2015 and the proposals were discussed with the Head of Schools’ Finance Team and the Primary Head Teachers Schools’ Forum representatives. 

From the consultation results, there was a very small split in favour of the current funding process.  The Schools’ Forum regulations stated that the central spend level and the method for allocating growth funding should be proposed by the LA and decided by the Schools’ Forum.  However, in view of the lack of clear guidance from the consultation responses it had been very difficult for the LA to recommend either of the options before there had been an opportunity for full discussions with the Schools’ Forum.

The Forum agreed that it was essential that the correct number of school places was provided and that schools should not be deterred from agreeing to accept bulge classes.

It was felt that in order to take a decision for the future more detailed figures would need to be provided for detailed consideration.

RESOLVED: That the current arrangements remain in place for 2016/17 and a further review being undertaken for 2017/18 with more detailed information provided for consideration.