Terms of Reference
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The Local Education Authority is required to consult the Schools Forum on a number of matters specified in the regulations. The following terms of reference, which are closely based on DfES guidance, were endorsed by the County Council on 6 November 2002:
- To advise the LEA on any proposed changes in relation to the factors and criteria that were taken into account, or the methods, principles and rules that have been adopted, in its formula made in accordance with Section 47 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and the financial effect of any such change. This consultation is to take place in sufficient time to allow the outcome to be taken into account in the determination of the LEA’s formula and in the initial determination of the schools budget shares before the beginning of the following financial year.
- To advise the LEA on the proposed terms of the specification of any proposed contract for supplies or services to schools which is to be let by the Local Education Authority and to be funded from the Schools Budget, to a value equal to or exceeding the local government threshold stipulated in the Public Services Contracts Regulations. This consultation is to take place at least one month prior to the issue of invitations to tender.
- To advise the LEA annually about the following matters:
- the arrangements to be made for the education of pupils with statements of special educational need;
- arrangements for the use of pupil referral units and the education of children otherwise than at school;
- arrangements for early years education;
- arrangements for insurance;
- prospective revisions to the LEA’s scheme for the financing of schools;
- administrative arrangements for the allocation of central government grants paid to schools via the LEA;
- the arrangements for free school meals
To commission reports and research into school funding issues within the area of the LEA, where appropriate, and to draw to the LEA’s attention any matters arising from such work.
To inform all LEA schools of the consultations carried out.
The Local Education Authority:
- is to take into account the views expressed by the Forum in setting its schools budget or, where appropriate, taking other decisions in relation to the funding of schools or the provision of pupils;
- may consult the Forum on such other matters concerning the funding of schools as they see fit, and shall take into account any views expressed by the Forum.
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