Issue - meetings

Report ED17033

The Sub-Committee considered a report providing an overview of the representation on the Schools’ Forum.  The Constitution was last fundamentally reviewed in September 2012 when the DfE introduced new Schools’ Forum Regulations.  Since then there have been no further major DfE regulation affecting Schools’ Forums.

As a result of a number of LA maintained primary schools converting to academy status there needed to be a shift in membership with an increase of two primary academy members and a decrease of two primary maintained members of the Forum.

It was proposed that:

a) there was a reduction of one maintained primary governor representative (down to zero), the position was currently vacant.
b) there was a reduction of one maintained primary head representative (down to one), there were currently two maintained primary head representatives.
c) there was an increase of one academy primary head representative (up to two).
d) there was an increase of one academy primary governor representative (up to three).

It had also come to light that there were currently two representatives from one school on the Forum, in breach of paragraph 1.10 of the Constitution.  It was recommended that the Member with the shortest length of membership should be removed from office and an alternate member sought.

It was recommended that no changes to the Non-Schools Membership be made at this time.

The Sub-Committee noted that there would be three vacancies on the Forum.  The relevant group would be asked to nominate a representative using a democratic process.  Where this would not possible the Council would approach the relevant group for nominations.

The Schools’ Forum had considered the proposals on 12^th January 2017.  One area highlighted by a forum member was the different number of head teachers represented in the Primary and Secondary sectors.  Their view was that there should be equal representation.  It was pointed out that the membership was determined by pupil numbers and that there was proportionally more pupils in primary settings than secondary.  It was not proposed to amend the constitution to reflect this.  Following a vote, the Schools’ Forum, by majority, agreed with the changes being proposed by the Council.

RESOLVED: that the Education Portfolio Holder be recommended to agree the constitution of the Schools’ Forum.