To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21 November 2016 (copy attached) and to receive an update on any matters arising from these.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting of the Central Bedfordshire Schools Forum held on 21 November 2016 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record subject to the following amendment:

CBSF/16/16

Paragraph 4 - Mr Burnett to be amended to Mr Burrett.

Matters arising:

CBSF/15/7 Members of the Forum agreed that no further action should be taken regarding the request for a refund from the conference Forum members and officers had attended, as it would be an unproductive use of officer time.

CBSF/15/7 An update on the Growth Fund element of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) would be added to the work programme for the March meeting. Action: Interim Head of Service, Planning, School Admission / Committee Services Officer

CBSF/15/12 Members of the Forum were advised that growth funding was only available for statutory provision. It was not available for non-statutory provision.

CBSF/16/17  Members were advised that the Terms of Reference for the Early Years Block Technical Sub-Group had been accurate at the time of publication.  The DfE had subsequently re-issued the Schools Forum powers and responsibilities document in December 2016. The revised Terms of Reference would be submitted to the March meeting of the Schools Forum. Action: The Head of Child Poverty and Early Intervention.

CBSF/16/18 A second piece of work was taking place to look at alternative ways to fund the Academy of Bedfordshire (ACB). This issue would be discussed by the High Needs Technical Sub Group and reported back to the Schools Forum. Action: The Assistant Director School Improvement.

CBSF/16/19 A draft response to theHigh Needs Block and School Block consultations would submitted at the March meeting of the Schools Forum. Action: The Assistant Director School Improvement and Senior Finance Manager Children Services, Resources.