Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendation.

The Cabinet Member for Education introduced the report on the outcome of the consultation regarding the Flintshire Schools’ Funding Formula review and to approve the new formula from April 2014.

The Cabinet Member commented that whilst the formula had been incrementally updated there were many factors and elements within it which lacked clear educational or operational rationale and it was acknowledged that a review was long overdue.  He commended the Director of Lifelong Learning and his Team on the detailed process undertaken to review both the Primary and Secondary formulae and the development of new principles to underpin the allocation of resources to schools.  

The Cabinet Member referred to the formal and informal consultation that  had taken place which had been invaluable in developing the final design of the funding  models.   He explained that individually schools may have an increase or decrease in their budgets in comparison to the current formula, however, transitional arrangements would be implemented over a three year period to allow schools with reduced funding to make adjustments. 

The Leader of the Council expressed his thanks to the Director, Officers, and Headteacher and Governor representatives for their hard work and commitment.  He commented that the revised formula would put the Authority in a good position to seek national change for funding.  The Chief Executive reiterated the comments made by the Leader and also expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of schools and the collaborative work undertaken by other stakeholders. He said the revised formula would remove the risks inherent in the current system, reduce complexity, and ensure a fair and equitable distribution for schools. 

The Director of Lifelong Learning thanked all Members who had contributed to the process for their input and referred to the consultation and discussions which had been held with stakeholders through the Schools Budget Forum and Heads Federation Groups.  He said a predictable formula had been achieved based on key educational principles which would enable schools to move forward.  

RESOLVED:

That the implementation of the revised funding formulas for primary and secondary schools, inclusive of proposed transitional dampening arrangements, be approved.