Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on 22 January 2020 attached

DECISION:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 22 January 2020 be signed as a correct record.

To consider any matters arising from the last meeting where no otherwise covered on this agenda and to report on items considered at the Cabinet.

This item was withdrawn.

This agenda item was withdrawn.

Head of Education & Learning to report.

This agenda item was withdrawn.

Report of Chief Officer for Children’s Services and County Treasurer (DEF/20/03) attached.

DISCUSSION:

The Forum considered the report of the Chief Officer for Children’s Services and County Treasurer (DEF/20/03).

The Forum also noted the respective minutes of the Schools Finance Group (SFG) of 4 March 2020. 

The report (DEF/20/03) covered:-

- Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) (month 10) 2019/20 forecast and major variations; and

- Advance notice of planned carry forwards 2019/20.

The County Treasurer reported that the total DSG overspend as at month 10 is £21m after allowing for the requested carry forwards.  The reduction in shortfall from Month 9 of £506,000 predominately related to the High Needs Block. 

Section 2, Table 3 of Report (DEF/20/03) below set out all current known (estimated) carry forward requests, these would be confirmed and finalised during the closedown process. Maintained School balances and Special School balances would automatically carry forward to 2020/21 in individual budgets. The values of these would not be known until year end accruals have been undertaken.

DECISION:

(a) that the Dedicated Schools Grant (month 10) 2019/20 monitoring position as set out in Section 1 of Report (DEF/20/03) be noted;

(b) that in respect of the allocation of surplus carry forwards from 2019/20 as set out in Section 2, Table 3 of Report (DEF/20/03) below:-

(i) the Central Provisions be approved;

(Vote: Schools, Academies and PVI members)

(ii)  the De-Delegated budgets be noted; and

(iii) the High Needs budgets be noted.

Section 2,Table 3 of Report (DEF/20/03) - Surplus budget carry forward requests:

(Note: all current known (estimated) carry forward requests as per Report (DEF/20/03)).

ACTION:  County Treasurer (Adrian Fox).

To review action for the Forum from its groups and to receive minutes:-

(a) Schools’ Finance Group

Minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 2020, attached.

Also available at 

https://new.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/school-information/devon-education-forum/schools-finance-group

(b) School Organisation, Capital and Admissions Forum

Minutes of the meeting held on 3 March 2020, attached.

Also available at

https://new.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/school-information/devon-education-forum/school-organisation-capital-and-admissions-group-soca

The Forum received the following minutes of its standing groups, including matters brought to DEF’s attention:-

(a) Schools’ Finance Group (SFG)

(i) Minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 2020 (considered under Finance Update

minute above) and;

(ii) In relation to Data Transfer System Licences (AnyComms+1):-

A report had been considered by SFG seeking agreement from SFG for Devon to obtain the data transfer system licences (Anycomms+) centrally for all Devon schools (maintained and academy) at the lower rate of £90 per school per year compared to individual purchasing at £175.

DECISION:

That the licences being purchased for all Devon maintained and academy schools be approved.  

(b) School Organisation, Capital and Admissions (SOCA)

Minutes of the meeting held on 3 March 2020.                    

Meetings to be held at County Hall, Exeter, at 10am (unless otherwise specified):-

Wednesday 17 June 2020

Wednesday 18 November 2020

Wednesday 20 January 2021

Wednesday 17 March 2021.

https://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

Meetings to be held at 10am (unless otherwise specified):

Wednesday 17 June 2020

Wednesday 18 November 2020

Wednesday 20 January 2021

Wednesday 17 March 2021.

https://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

DECISION: 

That Members be requested to keep the above scheduled dates in diaries (arrangements for meetings to be confirmed in light of Covid-19).

Devon Association of Primary Heads requested the Forum consider this matter.

DISCUSSION:

The Head of Education & Learning gave a brief outline on the latest position for schools and responded to Members discussion points including:-

-Regular Education & Learning Updates to Headteachers (also available to governors only) and clear messages to avoid any misperceptions of the unprecedented challenge faced (eg this was not like the snowdays policy, but school staff would continue supporting their own school in different ways as and when necessary);

-discussions with school nursing and public health;

-the role of Schools supporting pupils, Free School Meals and the wide community;

-identifying vulnerable pupils;

-definition of key workers in the community to be developed (eg health staff, fire, police, adult social care workers, social workers) and the support key workers may need from schools; 

-the daily difficulties schools were already facing due to absence and lack of supply cover;

-communications and flexibility to respond to rapidly changing directives/guidelines, different ways of teaching and different expections on schools;

-national DBS checks changes;

-dissemination of information to parents;

-changes to staff/governor meetings within school;  

-support to keep the Early Years sector operating;

-role of communities groups in the possible extension of holiday clubs and activities.

DECISION: that the Head of Education & Learning progress the above.

ACTION: Head of Education & Learning (Dawn Stabb)