Schools forum

The schools forum is made up from representatives from schools and academies. There's also some representation from non-school organisations, such as nursery and 16 to 19 education providers.

The forum acts in a consultative role on some issues and a decision making role on others.

Consultative role:

• changes to the local funding formula (we make the final decision)
• proposed changes to the operation of the minimum funding guarantee
• changes to or new contracts affecting schools (for example school meals)
• arrangements for pupils with special educational needs, in pupil referral units and in early years provision.

Decision making role:

• how much funding may be retained by us within the dedicated schools grant (for example providing an admissions service or providing additional funding for growing schools)
• any proposed carry forward of deficits on central spend from one year to the next
• proposals to de-delegate funding from maintained primary and secondary schools (for example staff supply cover, insurance, behaviour support)
• changes to the scheme of financial management.

 Schools forum power and responsibilities [PDF, 103KB]

Membership

Membership of the schools forum must be proportional to the pupil population in maintained schools and academies. 

 Schools Forum Membership January 2020 [PDF, 214KB]

Meetings

The forum holds a minimum of four meetings a year, however if there's a business need for a decision or formal view to be expressed by the forum, additional meetings can be arranged. Meetings are open to members of the public.