Minutes:
Minute 6 – Notices of Concern. At the meeting held on the 10 November 22 Members were informed that a new Notice of Concern (NoC) had been issued to Flash Ley Primary School due to a deficit position and no recovery plan. It was suggested that the implementation of the NoC had created a delay to Flash Ley’s Academy conversion, and it was requested that this issue be expedited to allow for the conversion to move forward.
Minute 7 - Primary Behaviour Support Services - Resolution b. At the meeting held on the 10 November 22, the Forum asked if figures could be provided to show the number of students that had been excluded from maintained Primary Schools, it was agreed at the meeting that this information would be shared at a later date. A query was raised if the information had been shared, and, if not, when it would be.
It was explained that, to better understand the figures being presented, it would be beneficial to provide the data for the full financial year rather than the current period. It was proposed, and agreed, to bring the full data to the next Schools Forum meeting scheduled to take place in March 23.
Minute 8 - Minority Ethnic Achievement Service (MEAS) - Resolution b.At the meeting held on the 10 November 22, the Forum requested more information relating to the relocation of a number of Afghan refugees to Manchester, it was agreed at the meeting that this information would be shared at a later date. A query was raised if the information had been shared, and, if not, when it would be.
It was confirmed that the information was still being sought and would be brought to the next Schools Forum meeting taking place in March 23.
Minute 9 - Historic Commitments. It was noted that at the meeting on 10 November Forum Members approved the SEN transport budget of £250,140, which was reportedly being funded from the High Needs Block. However, in Agenda Item 8 of the 12 January meeting (High Needs Block update), it stated that “the High Needs Block does not include the following costs: SEND home to school/college transport; this is funded from the Council’s general fund resources”. Clarity was sought as this appeared to contradict what had been approved at the November meeting.
It was clarified that there was an historic fixed amount of £250,140 for SEN transport budget that was funded from the High Needs Block, but this was only a small contribution toward the larger budget of £22m which was funded from the Council’s general fund resource.
Minute 10 - High Needs Block. At the meeting held on the 10 November 22 Members were informed that, as the Schools Forum had not supported the 0.5% Block Transfer Request, the Local Authority would be applying to the Secretary of State to make a final decision on the application to make this switch. Confirmation was requested as to whether the Secretary of State had responded, and, if not, if there was any idea of when this might be expected.
It was explained that, at this stage, no response had been received from the Secretary of State. However, the Local Authority had been requested to complete two census returns on the budgets, one which included the 0.5% Block transfer and another which did not. The return would be submitted on the 20 January 23, and it was expected that a response would be received in early February 23.
Resolved: a. That it be noted that, if appropriate to do so, additional information relating to the Flash Ley Primary School Notice of Concern be shared with forum members.
b. That it be noted that the additional information relating to the Primary Behaviour Support Services (Resolution b), would be provided at the meeting to be held in March 23.
c. That it be noted that the additional information relating to the Minority Ethnic Achievement Service (Resolution b), would be provided at the meeting to be held in March 23.