· Nursery funding and wraparound childcare update
o Minute 30 – 23 March 23
Minutes:
Minute 30 – 23 March 23 - Nursery funding and wraparound childcare update
With regards Nursery Funding, the Forum was informed that confirmation had been received regarding nursery funding. The rate for three and four years olds was to be increased by 34p per hour, and there would be an increase of £1.88 per hour for two year olds. This would be implemented from September 2023 and run through to March 2024. It was expected that this increase would be passed through to the providers from the Autumn term onwards as per the Government Guidelines.
It was noted that the way in which the increase would be provided to the sector had yet to be agreed internally within the Authority. In response to a question asking at what point the local authority would speak to the sector to discuss this, it was confirmed that the decision would be shared with the sector once it had been made.
Schools Forum members views that, the additional funding received should be provided through the ‘base rate’ to all early years providers, and not through deprivation indicators, were noted and would be considered when the decision was made.
Members were informed that there was no further detail available on the wraparound funding at the time of the meeting. It was agreed that the wraparound funding item would be brought back to a future meeting when more detail was available.
Minute 22 – Update to Minute 8 – 10 November 22 - Minority Ethnic Achievement Service (MEAS).
A question was asked as to whether there were any Afghan refugees in Stafford still living in hotel accommodation, as it had been highlighted in that all Afghan refugees who entered the country in 2021, and are still housed in hotels would be evicted from the 1st September 23.
N.B. Following the meeting an update was provided stating that no Afghan refugees were going to be evicted in Staffordshire.
Minute 22 – Update to Minute 18 - High Needs Block (including Education Banding Tool update and Deficit Management Plan)
A question was asked as to whether the delayed consultation of the Strategy for Special Provision had taken place, and if there was any feedback available. In response it was confirmed that the consultation had taken place and the results were currently being analysed, and some questions were being answered. It was confirmed that the results of the consultation would be brought back to a future Schools Forum meeting.
Minute 27 - Staffordshire Scheme for Financing Schools & Procurement Regulations
It was noted that the proposed updates to the Financial Regulations for Schools hadn’t been updated on the Schools Learning Net. Officers were asked to update this as soon as possible.
Minute 28 - Schools Budget Update - WorthMore Group
The Forum was informed that Dr Robin Bevan, Head Teacher of Southend High School for Boys, was taking the lead on the WorthMore Group. With his Governors he was planning to mount a campaign to Government to highlight the situation of school funding. Robin Bevan was looking for support from other Head Teachers in joining the campaign, and if anyone wished to get involved they were asked to contact the Schools Forum Vice-Chair.