Schools Forum

1      Background

The Government requires that each local education authority (LEA) maintain a Schools Forum to represent its schools' views on matters relating to the total Schools' Budget. The Schools' Budget includes delegated budgets to schools, plus a number of centrally managed functions relating largely to the provision of support for pupils with special educational needs (SEN), out-County and independent SEN placements and funding for three year olds in private nurseries.

2      Purpose of the Forum

Regulations prescribe three main functions on which the LEA must consult the forum as follows :-

a) On changes to the schools funding formula.

b) On the terms of contracts to be let by the LEA for services to schools, paid from the schools budget. (Subject to a de-minimus level).

c) On issues relating to the management of the Schools Budget, including :-

• arrangements for the education of pupils with special educational needs;
• arrangements for the use of pupil referral units and the education of children otherwise than at school;
• arrangements for early years education;
• insurance arrangements;
• prospective revisions to the LEA's financing scheme for the financing of schools;
• administration of central government grants to schools;
• arrangements for free school meals.

LEAs may opt at their discretion to consult the Schools Forum on other schools funding matters. There is no obligation to consult the forum on LEA Budget issues.

3      Powers & Duties

The schools forum is an advisory body, established to represent schools views to the LEA. The forum currently has limited decision making powers, though the Government is currently reviewing the role.

Government regulations require the forum to inform the governing bodies of schools of all consultations carried out.

There is a duty placed on all members of the Schools Forum to seek views from other groups and to facilitate feedback arrangements.

4      Membership

Although made up mainly of representatives from headteachers and governing bodies, it also includes "non-school" members, representing relevant bodies, Diocesan representatives, early years and 14-19 representatives, representatives from schools' consultative groups and a Parent Governor representative from the Education Scrutiny Committee.

A list of the current Schools Forum membership is attached.

5       Constitution

The Schools Forum is required to operate under a formal constitution that covers the detail of its membership, full terms of reference, operating procedures and arrangements for paying expenses to members.

The constitution for the Schools Forum is currently under review.