Apologies for absence were received from D Allen, D Taylor, N Kelly, G Croxon and J Harley.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th December 2022, be confirmed as a correct record.

Report from Principal Democratic Services Officer (to follow)

The Board considered a report of the Principal Democratic Services Officer presenting the membership and sought agreement to fill the vacancies within the maintained primary, academy primary and secondary academy sectors.

The Board discussed a number of aspects concerning its membership and the vacancies and the need for a ‘light-touch’ review of the Constitution/terms of reference to ensure that it is fit for purpose.

The Board was informed that this was the last meeting for Lisa Clark.  The Board placed on record its thanks and appreciation for her dedication and significant contributions to the Board and the young people of the City and wished her all the best for the future.

Resolved:

1. That the membership, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be noted and that the following be appointed to the vacancies within the relevant sector:

·       Maintained Primary: Sarah Clements (Headteacher, Chalkwell Hall Infant School).

·       Academy Secondary: Emma Matthews (Headteacher, Westcliff High School for Girls) and *Ben Stickley (SECAT Trustee).

·       Academy Primary: Erica White (Governor, Bournemouth Park Academy).

2. That the remaining two vacancies in the secondary school academy sector be filled with headteachers from the secondary academy comprehensive school sector.

3. That nominations to fill the vacancy within the Academy Primary sector, as a result of Lisa Clark’s departure, be sought.

Report from Senior Business Finance Partner attached

The Board considered a report of the Senior Finance Business Partner presenting the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) final outturn for the 2022/23 schools budget, high needs, early years and centrally retained.

The Board commented on the positive and healthy position in terms of the financial management but emphasised the significant level of demand and cost of delivery.

Resolved:

1. That the final outturn for 2022/23, be noted.

2. That the subsequent DSG reserve balances shown for each individual funding block to be carried forward into 2023/24, be noted.

Report from Senior Finance Business Partner officer

The Board considered a report of the Senior Finance Business Partner presenting the High Needs Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) block detailed budget allocations for 2023/24.

The Board commented on a number of aspects covering the following:

·       Significant numbers of early years children with high needs as a result of a number of factors, e.g. Covid legacy.

·       The need to look at establishing Early Years Inclusion Panels.

·       Recognising the need for early intervention and identification and looking at resources collectively.

·       Need to review the figures presented in Appendix 7 concerning special school flexible place funding.

·       Need to look at place funding and what additional funding is needed and targeting resources appropriately.

·       Unprecedented pressures on schools.

·       Recognised it is a system wide problem with complex issues.

Resolved:

1. That the continuation of the special school flexible place fund allocation scheme from September 2023, be endorsed.

2. That it be noted that the conditional and additional 3.4% supplementary grant has been awarded to both special and alternative provision schools.

3. That the continuation of the compensation place funding scheme for the enhanced mainstream units from September 2023, where that unit was not fall at the point of the October 2022 school census, be endorsed.

4. That the further funding increases applied to bands 1-4, be endorsed.

5. That the one off funding proposals set out in the submitted report, be endorsed.

6. That in consideration of resolutions 1 to 5 above, combined with the budget requirements as presented in the submitted report, the detailed High Need budget allocations for 2023/24, be supported and adopted.

7. That the special school place flexible funding from September 2023 (Appendix 7 to the submitted report), be reviewed over the summer period and a proposal be brought back to the Education Board in the autumn.

Report of Senior Business Fiance Support officer

The Board considered a report of the Head of Access and Inclusion and the Senior Finance Business Partner presenting a proposal for the provision of funding for the unexpected intake of asylum seeker pupils, as an exceptional circumstance.

Resolved:

That for 2022/23 and 2023/24 an exceptional circumstance funding request, through School Block Growth Fund for schools that have admitted/admit pupils that have come into the UK via a Home Office led asylum seeker route (such as the residents of the Skylark Hotel), be approved.

Verbal report from Director Education, Inclusion and Early Years (no papers)

The Board received a verbal update on the area SEND Inspection.  The final report was published on 9^th June 2023 and a summary of the outcomes and recommendations of the report were presented.  The Council has 30 days to produce a strategy action plan to address the recommendations.  The action plan will be brough back to the Board for information.

Resolved:

That the verbal update on the area SEND Inspection, be noted.

(a) Resources Sub-Group – 6 June 2023

(b) Vulnerable Learners Sub-Group – 2^nd March 2023

(c) Performance Sub-Group – 10^th January 2023

The Board received and noted the following Sub Group minutes:

·       Resources Sub Group held 6^th June 2023.

·       Vulnerable Learners Sub Group held 2^nd March 2023 and

·       Performance Sub Group held 10^th January 2023.

Dates and time of future meetings to be advised.

Meetings of the Education Board will be scheduled for October and December 2023, January and March 2024.  Dates will be circulated in due course.