EAST SUSSEX Schools’ Forum

MINUTES of a meeting of the Schools’ Forum held remotely with Microsoft Teams on 09 July 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) Jo Foulkes (Sabden Multi Academy Trust) Phil Matthews (Hailsham Community College Academy Trust) Helen Key (Chailey School) Phil Clarke (Trade Union Representative) Tom Scully (University of Brighton Academies Trust) Jane Johnson (Newick CE Primary) James Freeston (King Offa Primary Academy) Richard Preece (Saxon Mount and Torfield) Cllr Bob Standley (Lead Member for Education and Inclusion, Special Educational Needs and Disability) Stuart Gallimore (Director Children’s Services) Edward Beale (Schools Funding Manager) Sarah Rice (Finance Manager – Schools) Nathan Caine (Head of ISEND) Elizabeth Funge (Head of Education Improvement) Kirsten Coe (Schools Finance Team Lead) Lesley Leppard (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:

· Kate Owbridge (Ashdown Primary)

· Richard Blakeley (Harlands Primary)

· Susan Thompson (Ditchling Primary)

· Monica Whitehead (Claverham Community College) not present

· Geoffrey Lucas (Etchingham CE Primary School) 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 Lesley Leppard.

3.         MATTERS ARISING AND DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

3.1       Nathan thanked those who met with all the East Sussex MP’s for the High Needs Block   Consultation discussion. An update has been sent to Hugh Merriman. There is no           national update yet but once received this will be sent out.

3.2       Hugh requested an update on whether future Schools’ Forum meetings would be able to be held virtually recognising that this was more convenient for most headteachers. The     clerk will enquire and update the Forum members.

3.3       There were no declaration of interests.

4.         School Improvement and Brokering Grant Update (Information)

4.1       An update of the main points of the paper was given.

4.2       A question was raised about what data would be shared and a discussion was held.

5.         Monthly Top Up Funding (Information)

5.1       The main points of the paper were discussed.

5.2       The Forum were advised that there is capacity in the High Needs provision and this will    be passed back to schools.

5.3       A question was raised relating to www.Gov.ask website where the stats were found to be             different from those East Sussex County Council (ESCC) provided.  An explanation was given on how ESCC used data from 0-25 whilst the website used school-based population          data.

5.4       A point was raised that it was important to ensure the figures were correct as this is how   funding would be allocated. Clarification was given on the difference between ESCC         and National figures.

5.5       It was raised that special schools were being slightly overlooked and they were in a           challenging financial position. Nathan advised that if the current top up was not meeting           demand to advise him which school and it would be investigated.

6. Proposal to provide short term funding (Information)

6.1       Nathan advised that the Senco’s found using the statutory assessment process     unnecessary when an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) was not needed, this is where        short term funding could be made available.

6.2       A discussion was held regarding the high number of EHCP’s. A scheme was being           proposed for a 2 year pilot of providing funding to support to schools to improve provision          for children with SEND

6.3       It was acknowledged that there needed to be a thorough process in place to ensure that   demand did not outstrip the resource.

6.4       A question was raised about there being a prerequisite to an EHCP but Nathan advised    that it was not. If the statutory requirement was not met additional funding might be    available.

7.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS

7.1       The Chair asked Forum members to think about the challenges of the group.

7.2       ACTION: All to think about how the Forum blends in with the Primary and Secondary Boards and how to strategically join them all together.

7.3       ACTION: All to think about talent management and how we encourage others to join the Forum. How the group is managed and chaired alternating between Primary and Secondary as Chair.

7.4       The Forum were asked to reflect by the next meeting in September where they would formalise a way to get new members.

7.5       The Chair gave a thank you to Stuart Gallimore who was retiring for his contribution to the Forum and wished him a happy retirement.

Meeting concluded at 09:17 am

Next meeting – Friday 17 September 2021 08:30am. Location TBC - Wellshurst Golf and Country Club or Microsoft Teams.