Forum was asked to consider
proposals for the de-delegation of funding from maintained schools and the
retention of funding for education functions . this follows a consultation that
had been undertaken with all maintained schools
De-delegation of
Funding
The discussion began with the three proposed areas for de-delegation: trade
union facilities, termination of employment costs, and the free school meals
eligibility checking service. Officers reported that responses showed strong
support for termination of employment costs and free school meals checking, but
the trade union facilities proposal attracted mixed views, particularly within
the secondary phase where opinions were evenly split.
Members explored the scope of
the trade union facilities scheme, which currently covers the release of
designated representatives for casework and training. Concerns were raised
about the lack of clarity on eligibility for reimbursement and the potential
inequity where long-term secondments are funded through the scheme.
Several members questioned
whether unions should bear the cost of extended secondments rather than
schools. There was broad agreement that clearer guidance is needed, and
suggestions were made to introduce a cap on claims, with a limit of 15 days per
representative per year considered reasonable to ensure the scheme supports
short-term release rather than permanent arrangements.
Officers undertook to review the scheme and
provide updated guidance. It was agreed that the Chair would be delegated
authority to confirm the views of forum for trade union facilities once this
clarification has been provided.
In relation to free school
meals, members asked whether eligibility checking would remain necessary in
future. Officers confirmed that current arrangements will continue but advised
that the Council is exploring the potential for automatic enrolment in the
longer term. This would require investment and system changes, and the earliest
possible implementation would be September 2026. Officers undertook to bring
updates on this work to future meetings.
Following the discussion, maintained
members of forum voted foreach proposition by phase. For the avoidance of doubt
all outcomes were unanimous
Primary Results
·
Free
School Meals Eligibility Checking: For
·
Termination
of Employment Costs: For
·
Trade
Union Facilities: For
Secondary Results
·
Free
School Meals Eligibility Checking: For
·
Termination
of Employment Costs: Against
·
Trade
Union Facilities: Against
Retention of Funding
for Education Functions
The Forum then considered the proposal to retain funding for education
functions for maintained schools in 2026–27 to fund the school improvement
service Offer for maintained schools.
Officers confirmed that
consultation responses indicated strong support for this approach,
Maintained Members of Forum Unanimously
Approved the Retention