All councils are required by government to have a Schools Forum.
The Schools Forum acts as both a consultative and decision making body where schools can put forward their views to the council on matters such as:
- the allocation and distribution of funding
- supplies and services
- arrangements for special educational needs
- the use of pupil referral units
- free school meals
- the funding of early years provision.
The Schools Forum is made up of representatives from schools and academies, as well as other non-school organisations, such as nursery and 14-19 education providers.
Constitution and terms of reference
The Forum is required to operate under a formal constitution, which includes details of its membership, terms of reference and procedures.
Meetings Schedule 2019/20
Dates for the meetings of the School Forum during the rest of 2018/19 are as follows:
Thursday 12 March 2020
Thursday, 16 January 2020
Thursday, 19 December 2019
Thursday, 24 October 2019
Thursday, 20 June 2019
Thursday 14 March 2019
Thursday 24 January 2019
Thursday 20 December 2018
Thursday 18 October 2018
All meetings start at 1.00pm in the conference room at Kirk Balk Academy, West Street, Hoyland, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S74 9HX.
You can read the minutes of all previous meetings here.
Allowances
Schools Forum members receive allowances for things like financial loss and travel. Full details are included in the Guidance on Allowances for Schools Forum Members.
Scheme for financing schools
The Scheme for Financing Schools document sets out the financial relationship between the council and maintained schools. It details the provisions schools are expected to adhere to along with recommended best practice. It is advised that any internal control (e.g. scheme of delegation) or procedure documents maintained by schools are reviewed and brought in line with the Scheme (where it is appropriate and there is a clear reference or link to the Scheme).