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Cheshire Schools Forum - Introduction
Schools Forums were set up to give schools greater involvement in the distribution of funding within their local authority (LA). They became mandatory in January 2003 and each LA must consult its Schools Forum on the School Funding Formula, as well as other issues in connection with schools budgets.
Cheshire’s Schools Forum was established in November 2002 in accordance with DfES guidelines.
The LA and the Schools Forum
The LA consults the Forum on three main areas:
- the LA's proposed school funding formula
- issues within the schools budget, such as arrangements for pupils with special educational needs or early years education
- service contracts
Meetings are held at intervals which suit the financial planning process.
Although Schools Forums don't have the power of veto, LAs are required to take account of their views.
Membership
There are currently 30 elected members who may vote:
| Schools Members |
Non Schools Members |
| Primary School Headteachers (6) |
Diocesan Authorities (2) |
| Primary Governors (6) |
Early Years Partnership (1) |
| Secondary Heads (5) |
Teachers Panel (2) |
| Secondary Governors (5) |
Nursery School Head (1) |
| Special School Heads and Governors (2) |
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The Chairman is elected annually and has a maximum tenure of two years.
The Learning and Skills Council is entitled to send along a non-voting observer to meetings.
Four County Councillors attend as non-voting observers:
- Lead Member for Children's Services
- Executive Support Member for Children's Services
- Two opposition education spokesmen.
Senior LA staff act as advisors to the Forum.
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