East Sussex Schools Forum
MINUTES of a meeting of the Schools’ Forum held remotely with Microsoft Teams on 13 May 2022.
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PRESENT |
Hugh Hennebry - Chair (Uckfield College) Gavin Bailey (Swale Academy Trust) Richard Blakeley (Harlands Primary) Jon Gilbert (Diocese of Chichester) James Freeston (King Offa Primary Academy) Richard Preece (Saxon Mount and Torfield) Sarah Pringle (Seahaven Academy) Phil Matthews (Hailsham Community College Academy Trust) Helen Key (Chailey School) Joanna Sanchez (Diocese of Arundel and Brighton) Tom Scully (University of Brighton Academies Trust) Monica Whitehead (Claverham Community College) Jo Foulkes (Sabden Multi Academy Trust)
Cllr Bob Standley (Lead Member for Education and Inclusion, Special Educational Needs and Disability) Alison Jeffery (Director Children’s Services) Nathan Caine (Head of ISEND) Elizabeth Funge (Head of Education) Mark Whiffin (Head of Finance) Edward Beale (Schools Funding Manager) Sarah Rice (Schools Finance Manager) Rachel King (Clerk)
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1. Welcome and Apologies
1.1 The Chair welcomed all and thanked everyone for their attendance. It was confirmed the meeting was quorate, recognising the apologies below.
1.2 Apologies received from:
· Geoffrey Lucas (Etchingham CE Primary School) unable to join
· Kate Owbridge (Ashdown Primary)
· Katherine Rabson Stark
· Phil Clarke (Trade Union Representative) Not present
2. Minutes of the previous meeting 14 January 2022
2.1 The minutes for the meeting held were approved as a true record and will be signed by the Chair and scanned to Lesley Leppard.
3. Matters Arising and Declaration of Interests
3.1 There were no matters arising or declaration of interests.
4. SEND Green Paper (Discussion)
4.1 Forum members were shown a short presentation on the SEND green paper, providing an overview and implications for East Sussex. Presentation to be distributed to Forum Members.
A discussion was held and questions asked. Key areas of discussion as follows:
· Distribution of funding for mainstream schools providing SEN
· Clarification on a national tariff
· Variance in the quality of provision in schools
· Standardisation of ECHPs
· SEN partnerships and joint responsibility/accountability
5. Funding for Ukraine Pupils - Impact on Schools (Discussion)
5.1 Forum members were provided with up-to-date information regarding funding for Ukrainian pupils in schools. A brief overview was provided for forum members. It was raised that as well as schools receiving funding for Ukraine children, there will be a provision of free school meals for all children until Universal Credit applications have been processed.
6. Energy Costs - Pressure on School Budgets (Discussion)
6.1 Forum members were updated with information regarding the growing concerns, from schools, around increasing energy costs. A discussion was held with members expressing their concerns. Key points raised as follows:
· Energy strategy and central resources for school to work together to achieve net zero for county buildings.
· East Sussex County Council has signed up to climate emergency and working towards net carbon zero by 2050.
· The forum were advised that more information will be shared with schools and link below to be circulated.
7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
7.1 Membership of schools’ forum - is there a representative for maintained special school since the last person left their post?
The forum was informed that there is currently a vacancy and a Finance Officer will be in touch with Grove Park to ask if someone could be a representative.
Meeting concluded at 09:39 am
Next meeting – Friday 01 July 2022 08:30am. Location TBC - Microsoft Teams or Wellshurst Golf and Country Club.