Agenda item

Proposed Change to the Funding Formula for Exceptional Circumstances Factor

Langley Hall Free School Consultation Exceptional Circumstances

George Grant confirmed this issue had been discussed at the previous meeting of the Schools Forum.  It had been agreed there should be a consultation with schools, which had taken place between Schools Forum meetings.  The outcome of the consultation was included in the report: of the 44 eligible schools, 61% (27 schools) had replied and all had given a negative response.  It was now for Schools Forum to decide whether the recommendation should be accepted or not.  Questions were invited.

Sally Eaton explained that her Chair of Governors was unable to attend this meeting but on his behalf she wished to thank the Forum for undertaking the process and Cate Duffy for contacting the ESFA and RSC.

It was felt that the strength of responses gave Schools Forum a clear indication of mood. The Chair asked Forum members if they wished to make a recommendation that an exception circumstances factor (premises) should be included with effect from 2018/19 on behalf of Langley Hall Primary Academy.  The Forum was unanimously against such a move.

Cate Duffy informed the meeting that Cabinet, due to meet on Monday 20 November, would be approving the delegation of functions to her in order to take decisions on the Funding Formula. The Council would support the recommendation of Schools Forum.

A member asked if the delegated authority would apply to the next agenda item to which Cate Duffy explained it would be for any changes to the formula, given the short time scales involved.  Schools Forum supported this.