Agenda item

George Grant explained that the supporting report outlined the proposed process which entailed a great deal of work to be completed within a short time scale.  There was a need to review possible models, to consult with schools and to work with the 5-16 Task Group of Schools Forum to discuss that modelling. The final version would need to be approved by the Schools Forum.  There was a need to consider the impact of change and a need to consult upon what the formula would look like for schools.  The formula had to fit, with a need to carefully consider the implementation and adaption of change.

It was acknowledged the time scale in which to model and consult was tight, particularly given the Christmas period.  It was agreed that schools were responsive to issues concerning funding.

It was queried why there would be a consultation with schools before the Task Group and it was explained this was to get an indication of 50% model or no change, to give an indication of what NFF could look like.  John Constable pointed out there was a need to come back to the Task Group, citing the case of previous Task Group discussions about schools which were outliers in the model.

Cate Duffy suggested models should be presented to the Task Group before going out to schools, with a shorter consultation period. It was agreed that the Task Group would meet before the consultation was sent out to schools. In answer to a question, it was felt the LA would be in a position to have models ready by Thursday 16 November: as a result, it was suggested the Task Group should meet on Friday 17 November, with the consultation to go out on Monday 20 November.  Confirmation of the Task Group meeting would be agreed at the end of this meeting.  John Voytal would circulate the pupil led figures. LA Finance Officers would draw up three models, showing the effects per school.  It was pointed out that the DfE model indicated all schools would gain financially.

A member asked what had made the difference, as losses had been expected and it was thought this could be masked by the MFG.  It was pointed out that definitive figures could not be given until the top slice was known.  It was agreed caution was required concerning the figures. It was also noted that the DfE had increased the total funding pot following Phase 2 of the NFF consultation.

It was further questioned whether there would be any other requests for transfer from the Schools Block, as HNB was not sufficient to meet need.  Cate Duffy added that she was comfortable for the HNB to carry an overspend into the following year.