The School Forum who are they and what do they do click here for further information 
In this issue, we are including key points from the Schools Forum meeting held on 16 March 2017 particularly; School Admissions Appeals, The 2017/18 Schools Budget Update, Scheme for Financing Schools proposed amendments and the National Fairer Funding Formula (Stage 2 consultation documents). A full copy of the minutes will be made available via the Council web-site in due course, see section 9 below.
Schools Forum Meeting 16 March 2017 – Key Points
1. Matters Arising from 26 January 2017 Meeting minutes
No key matters arsing to report.
2. SCHOOL ADMISSION APPEALS PROCESS
Report presented as tabled
Discussions: Short discussion took place relating to the actual process and how could head teachers request input/attendance to the actual appeals hearing meeting.
Decisions: N/A.
Actions:
1. Schools Forum members to note the report; and
2. Karen McCrevey to circulate information to head teachers outlining the process / administrative arrangement to all head teachers
3. 2017/18 SCHOOLS BUDGET UPDATE
Report presented as tabled
Discussions:
1. Discussion took place relating to representatives on the DSG review group and could representation be extended to respective head teacher consortia groups – Agreed.
Decisions:
1. Sue (Queensgate), Danny (Post 16 Aquinas) and Ian Roberts (Vice-Chair/Primary Governor) all agreed to be part of review group again.
Actions:
1. PB/PH to arrange meeting for the DSG review group to meet (approx. May) and invite all Schools Forum representatives and Headteacher reps share detail with wider consortia groups.
4. SCHEME FOR FINANCING SCHOOLS – 2016 PROPOSALS
Report presented as tabled
Discussions: Peter Hughes presented the report outlining the key information, including:
• One school objection received;
• Amendment to proposals re section 1.5.4 in response to the above objection and discussion at last Schools’ Forum meeting; and
• Additional proposed amendment included re section 5.5.2
Decisions:
1. Schools’ Forum members approved all proposed amendments as per updated information provided at Appendix 3.
Actions:
1. Schools finance to update the Scheme for Financing Schools document and provide update on website/office on-line for 1 April 2017 implementation.
5. NATIONAL FAIRER FUNDING FORMULA - (STAGE 2 CONSULTATION)
Report presented as tabled
Discussions: Peter Hughes presented a formal report which provided details of the latest local activity relating to construction of responses to the two national funding formula models outlined in the consultation document proposals (i.e. schools and high needs).
Main discussion points included:
• Unfairness of the current proposals;
• Joint partnership working of LA and Schools via the consortia groups and thanks expressed for LA support;
• F40 lobbying / information.
Decisions: N/A
Actions:
1. Ian Roberts raised the letter signed by 38 of the 40 F40 LAs (including Stockport via Cllr Fitzpatrick) – PH to arrange distribution to all Schools’ Forum members and Schools.
2. PH to contact Moss Hey re “costs of running schools” exercise to support consultation response
3. LA finalise consultation responses and submit ahead of deadline next week.
6. SCHOOLS & EARLY YEARS FINANCE (ENGLAND) REGULATIONS
Report presented as tabled
Discussions: N/A.
Decisions: N/A
7. SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS/TRAINING
Report presented as tabled
Discussions: N/A.
Decisions: N/A
8. A.O.B.
a) Water sewerage charges to schools – PH outlined to members that further to the report presented by Stephen Bell on this matter (March 2016) DEFRA have now announced their decision on the matter, which is not favourable for North West schools, however Sefton Council are continuing to press matter in order to seek fairness and financial alignment. Stephen will circulate further information to schools next week.
b) Request received in relation to start of meetings time to support member attendance. Agreed to re-set times as pre-agenda 4pm and main business 4.30pm to support members
Nb: Start time cannot go any later due to requirements to vacate building by 6pm
9. Where do I find Schools Forum Information?
The Schools Forum meetings are held, administered and clerked in accordance with any other council meetings and the minutes are recorded and presented on the councils web-site alongside all Schools Forum business matters (i.e. reports), please find link -here-:
10. Schools Forum Contacts:
Schools Forum Chair:
Paul Carter
Schools Forum Service Director:
Phil Beswick,
Schools Forum Finance Officer:
Peter Hughes, CSS Manager, Finance