EAST SUSSEX Schools’ Forum

 

MINUTES of a meeting of the Schools’ Forum held remotely on Microsoft Teams on 14 May 2021

 

 

 

PRESENT

Hugh Hennebry - Chair (Uckfield College)

Sarah Pringle (Seahaven Academy)

Gavin Bailey (Swale Academy Trust)

Mandy Watson (Diocese of Chichester)

Joanna Sanchez (Diocese of Arundel and Brighton)

Susan Thompson (Ditchling Primary)

Jo Foulkes (Sabden Multi Academy Trust)

Geoffrey Lucas (Etchingham CE Primary School)

Phil Matthews (Hailsham Community College Academy Trust)

Richard Blakely (Harlands Primary)

Helen Key (Chailey School)

Phil Clarke (Trade Union Representative)

Tom Scully (University of Brighton Academies Trust)

 

 

Cllr Bob Standley (Lead Member for Education and Inclusion, Special Educational Needs and Disability)

Stuart Gallimore (Director Children’s Services)

Mark Whiffin (Head of Finance)

Edward Beale (Schools Funding Manager)

Sarah Rice (Finance Manager – Schools)

Nathan Caine (Head of ISEND)

Beth Armstrong (Deputy Head of ISEND & Strategic Lead for Education)

Rachel King (Clerk)

 

1                      WELCOME AND APOLOGIES  

 

1.1          Hugh welcomed all and thanked everyone for their attendance.

It was confirmed the meeting was quorate, recognising the apologies below.

 

 

1.2                  Apologies received from:

 

·         Jane Johnson (Newick CE Primary)

·         Kate Owbridge (Ashdown Primary)

·         James Freeston (King Offa Primary Academy)

·         Richard Preece (Saxon Mount and Torfield)

·         Monica Whitehead (Claverham Community College) not present

 

 

 

2.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 19 MARCH 2021

 

2.1       The minutes for the meeting held were approved as a true record and will be signed by the Chair and scanned to Rachel King.

 

3.         MATTERS ARISING AND DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

 

3.1       There were no declarations of interest and there were no matters arising.

 

4.         EALS BUDGET 2022/23 (Information)

 

4.1       Beth Armstrong introduced this item. This paper was a follow up to the EALs paper, presented at the March Schools Forum, ahead of the de-delegation decisions taken in September. This paper outlined the outcome of the recent consultation with all schools into the possible models for EALS delivery. Beth asked Hugh to confirm with members that they are happy for Model 2 for de-delegation from the paper to be presented in September. Beth also asked if Schools’ Forum were happy for any future funding decisions to be based on Option 2 as it provided the greatest flexibility for schools, without the need for future consultations on alternative models for operation. There were no objections from any members.

 

            Beth then presented Schools’ Forum members with a PowerPoint (attached to these minutes), outlining the position in relation to EALS and ESBAS, the range of provision that they are able to offer schools, and the impact on these services should Schools’ Forum vote not to de-delegate funding in September.

 

Hugh thanked Beth and asked if there were any questions from members.

 

Jo Foulkes asked regarding Covid, in September what face to face services will be offered to schools. Beth said that face to face services have been continuing as much as possible ever since March 2020. Door to door and virtual services/video calling have been offered when they really weren’t able to deliver provision in schools, however since September services have been continuing in schools.

 

Geoffrey Lucas asked Beth for clarification on one of the slides as it appeared that more ESBAS funding was going to smaller schools than larger schools. Beth clarified that the slide was referring to the cost equivalent of the additional core time given to those schools when ESBAS responded to and supported those situations (this did not represent a cash allocation to schools). 

 

The detailed financial information will be provided to Schools Forum in September 2021.

 

           

5.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS

 

5.1       Hugh asked members if anyone would be able to join the High Needs Block Consultation discussion with all of East Sussex MP’s to be held Monday 24 May between 1400 – 1500. Members that volunteered were:

 

Geoffrey Lucas

Representative for Jo Foulkes on behalf of Sabden (TBC)

Richard Blakely

Joanna Sanchez

Helen Key

 

Members stayed on after Schools’ Forum to be briefed on the meeting.

 

 

5.2       Hugh asked if two items could be looked at for future meetings. They are as follows:

 

i.              School Condition funding – Heads want to know how that money will be accessible – formula/bidding etc. Hugh requested this be an agenda item at the next meeting

ii.             School Improvement Monitoring and Brokering Grant – Briefing on that grant and effect it will have on schools.

 

 

           

5.3       Schools Forum Venue

           

Stuart added that legal services are looking at requirements for Schools’ Forum physically meeting in person/virtual. Meeting location/s will be confirmed at a later date.

 

 

 

             

Meeting concluded at 09:11 am

Next meeting – Friday July 09 2021 08:30am. Location TBC - Wellshurst Golf and Country Club or Microsoft Teams.