To consider the outcomes of a consultation with schools/academies which commenced on 19 September 2018 and ended on 19 October 2018. The report details the outcomes of the consultation based on the responses received and the local schools funding formula for the 2019/20 financial year.

The Assistant Director, Education delivered a report which outlined changes to the national funding formula for schools, the associated impact of those changes locally and the outcome of a consultation with schools in light of the revised model. The Government had agreed a further year to allow a smooth transition to the new formula which would be fully implemented in 2021. There had been a low response rate to the consultation from schools, which was disappointing. However, all comments had been taken into account before reaching a final conclusion.

In light of the report Members discussed the following in summary: -

·         In light of the low response rate whether all schools had received the relevant documentation. It was confirmed that they had, however the Schools Forum had not received the additional modelling they requested which had been an oversight.

·         It was the responsibility of all head teachers to share the relevant documentation with the Chairs of Governors of their schools.

·         There was a need to improve educational standards within Central Bedfordshire, reduce exclusions, ensure children were appropriately supported and learn from best practice in order to deliver the best outcomes.

·         Concerns that the Schools Forum had not supported proposals to top-slice up to 0.5 percent of the schools block funding and transfer it to the high needs block and the associated financial risks to the Council as a result.

·         Concerns that the national funding formula favoured a secondary school model and the possible negative impact on lower and middle schools once the formula was fully implemented, negatively affecting a positive educational start in life.

·         Whether the new formula might affect the viability of small rural schools and a need to work far more closely with them in order to prevent closures.

NOTED the report and the outcome of the consultation and;

RECOMMENDED that the Executive Member engage with the Secretary of State for Education in order to secure support for the transfer of 0.5 percent from the schools block funding to the high needs block and that the outcome of this be reported to the Committee at a future meeting.

(Cllr Ryan left the meeting at 11.12am)