Agenda and minutes

No Declarations of Interest were made. 

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Rotherham Schools’ Forum held on 22^nd April, 2016, were considered. 

Under agenda item 25 (Communications) is was requested that the wording be updated to read: - ‘The Strategic Director for Children and Young People’s Services had agreed that Rotherham’s hourly rate would rise BY (replace ‘to’) 27p per hour with effect from 1^st April, 2016’.

Further work would be undertaken in relation to sufficiency requirements and emerging demands in relation to the Early Years Sector. 

Agreed: -  That the minutes of the previous meeting be agreed as an accurate record. 

·       To note. 

David Naisbitt, Chair of the RSF, thanked Vera Njegic for her clear document relating to the proposals within the Central Government Consultation. 

The document outlined the main areas of the consultation document: -

·       Formula Schools National Funding;

·       Chapter 1: Reforming the funding system;

·       Chapter 2: The schools national funding formula;

·       The transition to a new formula;

·       Funding that will remain with local authorities;

·       The future of the Education Services Grant (ESG).

Paula Williams explained that she would be attending a meeting on 27^th May relating to the High Needs’ National Funding Formula. 

The two National Government funding reform consultations had been responded to by a number of individuals within Rotherham representing a range of groups, including the Rotherham Schools’ Forum, the Local Authority, Learners’ First and High Needs stakeholders. 

Discussion followed and the following points were raised: -

·       Consideration was being given to the ability to vire funds between the Blocks into the High Needs Block;

·       Historical under-funding of the High Needs Block and the need to review this in the context of Rotherham’s needs and sufficiency;

·       Creation of Rotherham’s SEND data set was continuing and developing all of the time;

·       Advent of Area Inspections from May, 2016. 

Paula was thanked for providing her ongoing updates.

Agreed: - That the information shared be noted. 

She explained that she would be attending a meeting on 27^th May relating to the High Needs’ National Funding Formula. 

The two National Government funding reform consultations had been responded to by a number of individuals within Rotherham representing a range of groups, including the Rotherham Schools’ Forum, the Local Authority, Learners’ First and High Needs stakeholders. 

Discussion followed and the following points were raised: -

·       Consideration was being given to the ability to vire funds between the Blocks into the High Needs Block;

·       Historical under-funding of the High Needs Block and the need to review this in the context of Rotherham’s needs and sufficiency;

·       Creation of Rotherham’s SEND data set was continuing and developing all of the time;

·       Advent of Area Inspections from May, 2016. 

Paula was thanked for providing her ongoing updates.

Agreed: - That the information shared be noted. 

·       Paula Williams. 

Paula Williams, Inclusion Team Leader, was welcomed to the meeting to provide an update in relation to issues relating to SEND work continuing in Rotherham. 

·       The SEND Partnerships were continuing to develop well into distinct groups;

·       Discussion was taking place on whether they wanted to change their names;

·       Primary SEND Group was looking at how the process would be managed in relation to the primary sector to create nurture provision;

·       Development of Accountability Frameworks;

·       Working protocol with Special Schools;

·       Meeting needs relating to autism. 

Agreed: -  That the information shared be noted. 

·       Aileen Chambers;

·       Decision/vote required.

Karen Borthwick, Assistant Director for Skills and Lifelong Learning, introduced a report that outlined a proposal to meet the need to increase centrally retained budgets relating to the Early Needs Block in the 2016/2017 financial year.   

Discussion ensued on the service provided in relation to the software licence used by the Early Years’ Service, the efficiency savings resulting from purchasing the software.  It was confirmed that the increase to £150k was in relation to the 2016/2017 year only.  Future financial year contributions would revert back to £60k.

The Rotherham Schools’ Forum voted on the proposal.

Agreed: -  That, on a unanimous basis, an increased centrally retained budget of £150k be approved as set out in the submitted report. 

·       Friday 17^th June, 2016, to start at 8.30 am in Rockingham Professional Development Centre.  

·       To include appointment of Chair, Vice-Chair, Learning Community and Stakeholder Representatives for 2016/2017 school year. 

·       To discuss 2016/2017 meeting dates/format.

Agreed: - That the next meeting take place on Friday 17^th June, 2016, to start at 8.30 am in the Rockingham Professional Development Centre.