Issue - meetings

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of 20 June 2019.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Forum held on 20 June 2019 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Arising from minute 94 Kashif Nawaz confirmed that the terms of reference of the Sub-Group had been finalised. It was proposed to add a standing agenda item to present the approved minutes from the Sub-Group to the Forum, and this would ensure the terms of reference are reported.

Arising from minute 95 Paul Clark advised that he had further discussions with Cherry Hall relating to early years providers keeping places open for children not attending regularly. It was explained that the policy did not require providers to keep the space open. The LA would pay an empty place for up to six weeks. If a child is absent for 3 weeks the provider should inform the Early Years team, they will then investigate if there is a safeguarding concern and escalate if necessary.

A complementary general attendance guidance note was being prepared for distribution to providers.

Action: Cherry Hall

Arising from minute 96 (the pilot mechanism for children and young people to have prompt access to short-term additional specialist support from the High Needs Block (HNB) without having to go through an Education Health Care (EHC) Plan statutory needs assessment to access Element 3 ‘top up funding’), this would be reported on in November.

Arising from minute 97 the Forum agreed that the Alternative Provision review would be deferred to the November meeting. The paper would be provided to all schools. The Forum noted that papers had already been presented to the Sub-Group but there was some doubt as to whether it was agreed at that meeting to share with all the headteachers.

Arising from minute 100 Paul Clark would add to future reports on school balances additional historic information relating to how many years individual schools have had surplus balances.

Arising from minute 101 Paul Clark advised that he hadn’t received sufficient clarity from the DfE yet regarding the Growth Fund. However, a proposal would be presented to the Forum in November.

Action: Paul Clark

In respect of a question in respect of receiving an update on forecast pupil numbers and available places, the Forum was advised that the latest projections would be presented in December.

Action: Chris Taylor