Agenda item

It was noted that the DfE had published directed revisions for LAs to include in their local Scheme for Financing Schools. Changes to arrangements for loans were one issue. It was known that a number of LAs were making loans to schools. George Grant added that it had not been necessary to support schools in a deficit situation in this way previously but there now had to be a clear mechanism in place showing how the LA would operate. Loans could no longer be used by any LA to support a deficit. The report proposed putting in place a licensed deficit scheme.  It was explained that if a school were in deficit there was a need to provide a scheme of support.  There would be criteria in place if a school were to apply for the fund and details would be going out to maintained schools with the Scheme for consultation.

It was questioned whether the LA would be consulting on the principle only and it was confirmed that more detail would be included in the information sent to schools.  It was pointed out that there were now a low number of maintained schools in Slough, with reduced funding and there could be a situation where there were no surpluses to fund such a scheme.

It was questioned whether the method of licensed deficits should be introduced for Slough schools and members felt that the full detail of any proposal for a consultation on such a change should have been presented to Schools Forum first, as it was the Schools Forum that ultimately agreed changes to the Scheme for Financing Schools.  George Grant agreed a document outlining the detail of the proposed licensed deficit scheme would be circulated to members by email prior to the consultation with schools.