MILTON KEYNES SCHOOLS FORUM

Transcription

1 MILTON KEYNES SCHOOLS FORUM Margaret Powell House, 401 Midsummer Boulevard MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 11 JANUARY 2018 AT 3.00 PM PRESENT: Primary School Representatives Kirk Hopkins Oldbrook School Elisabeth Morrison Brooklands Farm School Jake Yeo Bushfield School Primary School Governors Francis Grant Great Linford School Paul Hussey Bradwell Village Primary School (Chair) Antony Moore Giles Brook School Secondary School Representative Tracey Jones Lord Grey School Secondary School Governor Paul Herbert St Pauls Catholic School Academy Representatives Neil Barrett Stephenson Academy Glen Martin Shenley Brook End Andy Squires Denbigh School Academy Governors Dave Moulson Ousedale School Primary PRU Representative Norman Miles MK Primary PRU Nursery School Representatives Natalie Fowler Knowles Nursery School Deb Spinks Moorlands Nursery School Shared Vote Partnership Lindsey Styles Milton Keynes College Church of England Diocese Kieran Salter Diocesan Authority St Mary and St Giles C of E School Northampton Catholic Diocese Michael Manley Diocesan Authority LA OFFICERS: Michael Bracey Corporate Director People Sonia Hattle Senior Finance Business Partner Mac Heath Service Director Children and Families Natasha Hutchin Strategic Finance Business Partner Bob Seaman Group Accountant Cindy Stanton Pay and Reward Manager (until item 4 only) SCHOOLS FORUM 11 JANUARY 2018 PAGE 1

2 LEAD MEMBER: CLERK: Councillor Zoe Nolan Sue Puddifoot Governor Support - Children and Families SF 661 WELCOME AND APOLOGIES Item 1 The Chair welcomed all to the meeting. Apologies for absence had been received by the clerk from: Lizzie Bancroft Loughton Manor First School Finlay Douglas White Spire School Jane Edwards Heronsgate School John Howe Denbigh School Christine Ryan Cold Harbour C of E School (received after the meeting) Michelle Currie Walton High, Lynne Johnson - Pre School Learning Alliance, and Anita Richards NUT Divisional Secretary were absent. SF 662 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Item 2 Kieran Salter declared an interest in the Growth Fund item (Item 7 Annex B2) as his school was named within the report. SF 663 MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING Item 3 The minutes of the meeting held on 7 December 2017 were agreed as an accurate record. There were no matters arising from the minutes. SF 664 SUPPORT STAFF PAY INCREASES (Cindy Stanton) Item 4 The purpose of this report was to note the issues that had arisen which would impact on the pay structure for support staff in community, voluntary controlled and special schools that would need to be addressed from 1 April The Living Wage Foundation Rate (LWFR) would rise from 8.45 per hour to 8.75 per hour and the outcome of the current national pay negotiations was expected to result in a two year pay deal from 1 April This would have a direct impact on the pay of support staff where Milton Keynes Council (MKC) was the employer and an indirect impact on other schools. As an accredited living wage employer, MKC was required to introduce the LWFR within six months of the announcement (i.e. by 1 May 2018). Annex A detailed the final pay offer made to the trade unions and included the proposed national pay spine from April The local pay structure was detailed in Annex B. The cost to schools would depend on their individual staffing structure. Headteachers of community and voluntary controlled schools had been notified of the details and had been asked of their preferred approach to a review of the lower grades. Seven responses had been received so far SCHOOLS FORUM 11 JANUARY 2018 PAGE 2

3 and these were keen to maintain pay differentials. Schools would be written to again to get wider feedback. Staffing and pay data was needed from the schools impacted in order to model options for the 2019 pay structure. The ITSS team had produced a SIMS report and guidance notes that would be sent to schools directly impacted during the next week. The schools would need to run this report and let ITSS know when this was complete. This should be easy exercise for schools to run, and would enable model pay options for the new structure. The draft budget included 2% inflation for pay and any extra cost would be included in the February 2018 final budget report. Schools Forum would be kept aware of developments regarding the national pay discussions. It was pointed out that Church Schools also try to match pay offers and they would like to be informed of the outcome of the pay negotiations and when pay structures had been confirmed. Schools Forum noted the report. SF 665 SCHOOLS IN FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY (Natasha Hutchin) Item 5 The purpose of this report was for Schools Forum to consider if an allocation from the schools in financial difficulty primary de-delegated contingency budget should be made to Wyvern School. A formal funding request from this contingency fund had been submitted for 64k for one off costs. There had been very few requests made upon this budget in the past and the move to the NFF would mean the local authority would no longer be able to hold de-delegated funds. There was currently 193k of unallocated funds in the contingency. The request followed an Ofsted Requires Improvement report in December 2016 and the necessity to fund essential one off expenditure for resources and training, including both new reading and maths schemes. Details given in the report outlined the financial position with a deficit revenue balance of 22k anticipated by the end of 2017/18 and further increasing in 2018/19 due to falling rolls. The request met the criteria for a payment from the fund as outlined in the criteria previously agreed at Schools Forum and an action plan had been submitted and agreed with the schools finance team for the longer term management of the school s financial position. Schools Forum questioned whether there was any outside scope for help from the Strategic School Improvement Fund (i.e. DfE). It was also noted that the last claim on the fund was from the same school. SCHOOLS FORUM 11 JANUARY 2018 PAGE 3

4 It was pointed out that the funding could be used now rather than have schools in deficit. The remaining funds would be dispersed to the maintained primary sector once the NFF removed the ability for dedelegation anyway. Schools Forum were concerned that the RI decision was in December 2016 and a resolution would have been expected at that time. Next year the situation may be the same. Other schools were having to take drastic action to maintain financial balance and what steps were being taken to monitor this situation. Natasha explained that financial plans were monitored and options on long term stability were in the action plan. At this point Jake Yeo declared an interest as his school was considering federation with Wyvern School and his Headteacher was the current Executive Headteacher. He abstained in the vote. RESOLVED Schools Forum approved a payment of 64k to Wyvern School from the schools in financial difficulty de-delegated contingency budget. (Maintained primary school representatives only): In favour 2 Against 2 Abstentions 1 The vote in favour was carried on the casting vote of the Chair. SF 666 BUDGET FORECAST OUTTURN 2017/18 (Sonia Hattle) Item 6 The purpose of this item was to advise Schools Forum of the latest Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding allocation and the period nine forecast outturn position for 2017/18. Sonia Hattle explained that the budget had been set with an estimated deficit balance of 264k. The period nine forecast position estimated a surplus carry forward of 240k, an improvement since the last report of 136k. Changes were due to an underspend in the Early Years inclusion budget of 40k due to a change in the application process and reductions across the High Needs Block of 102k, mainly made up of reduced staff costs due to temporary vacancies and a reduction in the additional notional SEN expenditure budget. Significant variations in the budget were detailed in the report. Schools Forum enquired on the position of the 438k for a possible error in the ESFA s calculation and when this might be resolved. If the position were still unsure at year end, then a decision would need to be made as to whether this payment should be accrued for until a firm action had been agreed. If this payment is not returned, this will remain in the SCHOOLS FORUM 11 JANUARY 2018 PAGE 4

5 schools block. Financial summaries were included as a table in 3.8 and Annex A. Schools Forum noted the latest DSG funding allocation for 2017/18 and the latest forecast outturn position. SF 667 SCHOOLS BUDGET 2018/19 (Natasha Hutchin) Item 7 The purpose of this report was to agree the distribution of the Schools Budget for the financial year 2018/19. Papers for this item had been circulated later than normal timescales due to the DfE issuing the latest allocation of the DSG on 21 December 2017, together with the associated technical guidance. Schools Forum members attention was drawn to the recommendations in section two of the report. The main elements of agreeing the budget were: Estimating the value of the DSG for 2018/19 (resources available) and the estimated carry forward balance at 31 March 2018 Determining those elements that are to be retained centrally by the Local Authority (LA) and seek the Schools Forum approval where required Consider and seek approval from the Schools Forum for any movements between funding blocks Determining the distribution of the resources within the Individual Schools Budget (ISB) between schools maintained by the LA, academies and Early Years providers applying the funding formulae. Section four detailed how the 2018/19 budget would be based on the NFF. The table showed the changes in funding allocation and the explanation for the increases was mainly due to an increase in pupil numbers. The changes to the Early Years Block included the full year effect of the 30 hour offer, an increase in take up and an increased funding rate for three and four year olds, now the cap had been lifted. Budget strategy was outlined in section five. How the 2017/18 carry forward would be allocated had been agreed at the December meeting. The latest anticipated surplus of 240k would be allocated at 24k to the Central Services Schools Block to cover the shortfall, with the rest going to the Schools Block. Part of the 2018/19 DSG allocation was provisional as this would be based on census based funding factors. This would affect the Early Years Block and a small element of the High Needs Block. SCHOOLS FORUM 11 JANUARY 2018 PAGE 5

6 The proposals for the 2018/19 budget represented a significant change in in school funding and work would commence to model the impact on 2019/20 and beyond due to the transition to the NFF. The table in section 5.6 detailed the 2018/19 budget summary showing a carry forward of 67k, which would stay in the Schools Block. The DSG could only be used for the purposes as defined in The School and Early Years Finance Regulations 2018 and the conditions of use were outlined in Annex A. Central expenditure including the growth fund were detailed in Annexes B1 and B2 (both of these items had previously been agreed at a previous meeting of Schools Forum and so these annexes were for information only). Annex D outlined the detail of central expenditure against the Early Years Block and High Needs central expenditure was in Annex E. Under the recalculation, the LA had received 1.9m additional funding in the High Needs Block baseline, together with an additional 92k reflecting the growth in pupil numbers. This increase in funding would mean no top slicing of the Schools Block had been requested and a small contingency of 420k had been allowed for and reflected that although this seemed like a large increase, a significant proportion of this reflected current levels of baseline spending. As previously stated following consultation with schools and the Schools Forum, school budget shares would move towards the NFF rates while applying the cap of 3% on gains and the MFG of -1.5% as close as possible in 2018/19. Modelling of the school budget had shown that it was affordable to move to the NFF rates in 2018/19 with 900k remaining. This would enable the increase of the MFG to 0% ( 300k) so that no school would see a real terms reduction in funding (to keep in line with the DfE funding allocation) and the cap increase to 3.6% ( 600k). The Authority Proforma Tool (APT) was due for submission on 19 January 2018 and final checks were being made and would be made after this date by the ESFA. The Early Years funding rate to the LA would see the 2018/19 hourly rate for three and four year olds increase by 23p per hour (see Annex D). A consultation with affected stakeholders on the use of the increased funding would take place in February and reported back to Schools Forum in March Details of the government grants were detailed in Annex F, although some information was yet to be published. Schools Forum asked how the DfE would calculate the growth fund for 2019/20 but this was not known at this stage. The increase of the cap to 3.6% was clarified, as this would enable schools to receive increased funding sooner over the two year transition period. Attention was then drawn to Annex A and Table 1. SCHOOLS FORUM 11 JANUARY 2018 PAGE 6

7 2.1 Schools Forum noted the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocation of m for the purpose of setting the budget for 2018/19. Annex B1 detailed the Central Services Schools Block including licences at 214k, growth funding and de-delegated budgets. RESOLVED 2.2 Schools Forum agreed the Central Services Schools Block (CSSB) budget for 2018/19: In favour 15 Against 0 Abstentions Schools Forum noted the budget for the growth fund for 2018/19 as set out in Annexes B1 and B2: 873k in the primary sector and 555k in the secondary sector. (The growth fund criteria and weighted pupil numbers had been approved by Schools Forum at the meetings in October and December 2017). Primary and Secondary school budget shares unit rates were detailed in Annex C. With the MFG set at 0%, 30 primary schools and one secondary school would receive MFG protection in 2018/19. The ratio of funding between the primary and secondary sectors would move from 1:1.27 to 1:1.31, in line with NFF principles. Pupil led funding accounted for 92.5% of overall funding compared with the Government requirement for a minimum of 80%. There would be further review of the criteria and funding of split site allowances carried out during 2018/ Schools Forum noted the unit rates for the Primary and Secondary School Funding Formula as set out in Annex C. Early Years Block funding was detailed in Annex D. LA hourly funding rates for three and four year olds had increased from 5.01 to The block allocation was based on the actual numbers of children participating on the January count, thus the allocation would be finalised when these numbers were known. The growth fund for early years settings would cease, except for those already approved and one setting was eligible under the old criteria with an allowance of 12k included in the budget. The current early years central budget was 397k and it was proposed that 250k of the additional funding be used to create a central spend budget to invest in supporting inclusion in settings and early intervention work. Rates would also increase up to 16p per hour to remain in the top quartile of LA rates this would be clarified after consultation and further detailed modelling. SCHOOLS FORUM 11 JANUARY 2018 PAGE 7

8 Holding some funding centrally would reduce the impact of fluctuations in take up. There would be no change in the two year old provider rates for 2018/19. RESOLVED 2.2 Schools Forum approved the Early Years central expenditure budget for 2018/19: In favour 11 Against 0 Abstentions 4 Schools Forum noted the remainder of the Early Years budget for 2018/19 Annex E detailed the High Needs budget 2018/19. This block included place funding, top up funding and alternative provision. Schools Forum noted that discussions had been taking place between the LA and special schools in respect of simplifying the top-up funding process and an update on this consultation would be reported to Schools Forum in March. Top up rates for communication departments were also under review and feedback and new banding would also be reported back in March. There would be no changes in alternative provision top up funding. Top up funding for High Needs pupils in mainstream schools without EHC plans were also being reviewed. Table 2 showed the full High Needs budget. With top up payments under review, increases were for growth in pupil numbers. For 2018/19 there was a 420k contingency. Schools Forum discussed the issues raised in the report and were concerned that the most vulnerable children were not getting an increase in support. Natasha highlighted that although there had been a funding increase in the block, this largely reflected baseline expenditure and increasing pupil numbers supported through the block. Holding a small contingency was also essential with the move to the ring-fencing of the funding blocks within the DSG and the volatile nature of high needs spending in general. Funding allocations followed the child and this created staffing issues in schools experiencing such mobility. 2.4 Schools Forum noted the funding rates for special schools, special units and alternative provision for 2018/19 and also noted the central expenditure for high needs pupils and students in 2018/19. Annex F detailed government grants schools may be eligible for in addition to the DSG. Schools Forum members raised the problem of getting parents to apply for FSM and if the LA could assist in raising awareness. There was no gain for parents receiving UIFSM but schools were losing the income. SCHOOLS FORUM 11 JANUARY 2018 PAGE 8

9 Schools should share good practice and a challenge could be sent to the DfE on how this system operated. (Action MB) There were also problems with the online applications where FSM pupils were not showing on the DfE site. Further details on the PE and Sports premium would be confirmed when known. Schools Forum noted the government grants in 2018/19. Michael Bracey thanked officers for their work in preparing budgets over the holiday period, and the contribution of Schools Forum members. This was now a period of change and whilst the decision making had taken place, as a collective, the Schools Forum had worked well, especially over the last four years, overseeing an annual education budget of some 300m. Consequently, Milton Keynes was in a much better and stable place than some other local authorities around the country. SF 668 MEMBERSHIP AND CONSTITUTION (Michael Bracey) Item 8 There remained one academy vacancy. Michael Bracey drew attention to future Schools Forum arrangements on the agenda for the March 2018 meeting. There may be a greater focus on High Needs and Early Years in future and representation in these areas would need consideration as the Schools Block business would reduce. SF 669 UPDATE FROM SUB-GROUPS OF THE SCHOOLS FORUM Item 9 The next meeting of the High Needs Reference Group would be held on 31 January SF 670 FORWARD PLANNING Item 10 Issues to be considered by Schools Forum and dates of the next meeting were: 15 March Budget Forecast Outturn - Annual Report on Alternative Provision - Annual Report on Early Years - Early Years Funding Formula Report - Scheme for Financing Schools Update - Special School and High Needs Funding Formula Changes - Future Schools Forum Arrangements All meetings 3pm 5pm The meeting closed at 4.35pm SCHOOLS FORUM 11 JANUARY 2018 PAGE 9