Agenda item

Coral Miller introduced the report asking that the schools’ members (maintained schools only) vote on whether or not to de-delegate the two budgets concerned in 2015/16 (staff supply cover costs (Trades Unions) and Behaviour Support (SEBDOS)) and whether this should be at the same unit cost as in 2014/15.

Kevin Gordon gave some background on the Trades Union area. He explained that he had written to schools in March 2014 and had limited positive response regarding maintaining a central service and therefore no arrangements were made to provide this. He agreed to check if schools had been told that no central service was being provided.

It was clarified, however, that the de-delegated amount under discussion here is to compensate Montem Academy in part for the release of Lynda Bussley. Nicky Willis noted that other Trades Unions funded similar services and/or members pay. 

Members of Schools Forum requested more information on what Lynda Bussley had provided for schools in order to inform a decision. The decision regarding this budget was deferred until January when this further information would be available. MW agreed to email Lynda Bussley to clarify.

With regard to the budget for SEBDOS (previously known as Behaviour Support), the relevant members of the Schools Forum voted.  There were 2 votes for de-delegation and 1 abstention by primary maintained schools’ members and 2 votes for de-delegation by secondary maintained schools’ members. This budget was therefore approved for de-delegation in both phases at the unit costs proposed.

Helen Huntley agreed to clarify why the primary cost was higher than secondary.

Jean Cameron asked if the SEBDOS budget concerned was separate from the SEBDOS budget for early years and this was confirmed.