Background
The Government
requires that each local authority (LA) maintain a Schools Forum to
represent its schools' views on matters relating to the total
Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The DSG funds a range of
responsibilities including delegated budgets to schools, plus a
number of centrally managed functions relating largely to the
provision of support for pupils with special educational needs
(SEN), out-County and independent SEN placements and funding for
early years in private, voluntary and independent
nurseries.
Purpose of the
Forum
Schools Forum is made up of representatives from
schools and academies, but with some representation from other
non-school organisations, such as nursery and 14
-19education providers. The forum acts as a
consultative body on some issues and a decision-making body on
others, some of which is prescribed by Regulations.
The forum acts in a consultative role
for:
·
Changes to the local funding
formula
·
Proposed changes to the operation of the
minimum funding guarantee
·
Changes to or new contracts affecting
schools
·
Arrangements for pupils with special
educational needs, in pupil referral units and in early years
provision
The forum is responsible for decisions
on:
·
How much funding may be centrally
retained within the Dedicated Schools Grant for particular service
areas
·
Any proposed carry forward of deficits on
central spend from one year to the next
·
Proposals to de-delegate funding from
maintained primary and secondary schools for specified
responsibilities (set out in the regulations)
·
Changes to the scheme of financial
management
Powers &
Duties
The Schools Forum
is an advisory body with some limited decision making powers,
established to represent schools views to the local
authority.
There is a duty
placed on all members of the Schools Forum to seek views from other
groups and to facilitate feedback arrangements.
Membership
Although made up
mainly of representatives from schools, both maintained and
academies, it also includes "non-school" members, representing
relevant bodies, Diocesan representatives, representatives from
School Consultative Committees, Early Years PVIs, 14-19 Strategic
Partnership and a Parent Governor representative from the Select
Committee considering education issues.
A list of
representatives from each category is below:
You can download an Information Pack for prospective
members.
Should you have
any queries about the nomination or election process please contact
the Clerk, Simon Humble e-mail: simon.humble@staffordshire.gov.uk.
Constitution
The Schools Forum is required to
operate under a formal constitution that covers the detail of its
membership, full terms of reference, operating procedures and
arrangements for paying expenses to members. Find the
Constitution of the Schools Forum.
Schools Forum
Guidance
The Education and Skills Funding
Agency issue guidance for Schools Forums. The latest guidance was published on 29 September
and is accessible from the
gov.uk website.
Other Guidance
·
Staffordshire scheme for Financing Schools
All meetings of the Schools
Forum are open to members of the public.