Message from the chair of the schools funding forum

As Christine mentioned in her recent message, I am writing to draw your attention to the work of the schools funding forum. The forum has representatives from all the different types of schools and academies who discuss and sometimes make decisions or recommendations on financial matters which affect Kent Schools.

There have been some really significant discussions this year in particular. (The actual final decision is often made by KCC at cabinet level, but the forums declared position has never been ignored in my 15 years on the forum, so it really does have a voice.)

When the funding forum has to make a decision there is usually a consultation sent out to schools regarding any proposed changes, and the results of these hugely influence any decision the forum then makes. This year, there were more than usual and the responses were less than usual as a result, which was understandable but sometimes means the chance to express your view may have been missed.

Currently balancing a school budget has never been so difficult and the forum is fully aware of that. There are also decisions made which I am sure Headteachers and governors may not agree with.

Please do get involved:

• by responding to the next consultation when it comes
• by considering becoming a representative when the opportunity arises
• by contacting your representative to ask them to ensure your voice is heard on whatever it is you wish to raise.

We also have working parties and sub groups where we need a wider group of school leaders, governors or business managers to work on confidential work for developing a new policy or funding mechanism or to discuss the financial implications of a new strategy.

We are currently working on two working groups, one to review the Growth Policy and one looking at the formula factors for the Alternative Provision budget.  In addition we currently have two subgroups: High Needs Funding subgroup and Delegated Funding Formula Group.

Please find the list of the current representatives and who they represent (PDF, 138.0 KB).

The forum and schools and academies in Kent really do have tremendous influence, if we choose to use it, so please do get in touch.