Committee details

The role of Schools Forum

Schools Forum is made up of representatives from schools and academies, but with some representation from other non-school organisations, such as nursery and 16-19 education providers. The forum acts as a consultative body on some issues and a decision making body on others.

The forum acts in a consultative role for:

·         changes to the local funding formula (the local authority is responsible for the final decision, although in some cases it may delegate the decision-making power to the Schools Forum)

·         proposed changes to the operation of the minimum funding guarantee

·         changes to or new contracts affecting schools (e.g. school meals)

·         arrangements for pupils with special educational needs, in pupil referral units and in early years provision.

The forum is responsible for decisions on:

·         how much funding may be centrally retained within the Dedicated Schools Grant (e.g. for the Admissions Service, prudential borrowing costs, additional funding available 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 (e.g. for staff supply cover, insurance, behaviour support)

·         changes to the scheme of financial management.

For more information about the Forum please phone 01392 382305 or email schools.forum@devon.gov.uk.

Non statutory responsibilities

The County Council has agreed that the Forum will be consulted on all educational issues that affect young people aged 0 – 19.