The Chair thanked Phil Wilson, Gwyneth Evans and Rob Carlyle for the work they had put into the modelling which had proved that sustainability is not always directly related to the size of schools.

It had been the group’s intention to send the school budget modelling tool out to schools and academies, and this was discussed in the light of the recent funding announcement.  It was agreed that the information around predicted NOR could still be sent.

Schools Forum agreed again that it is important that Parish Councils and the community are made more aware of the demographic and funding position of Shropshire.

Peter Ingham felt it important that the budget information still goes out to schools – the mechanisms are there, just the updated figures are required.  He felt that Schools Forum has to show progress otherwise its credibility will diminish.

Chris Davies said that it was unfortunate that the funding announcement came just as the modelling was ready to be sent out.  Schools will need clarity about the implications of the new funding eg effect of MFG but we wouldn’t want to dampen the good news.

Mark Rogers felt that the demography information is the important message.  He thought that the revised funding should come to the next Schools Forum meeting before it is sent out to schools.

Sally Lill knew that headteachers are working on this now (eg she is meeting her cluster next week) using their own predictions and would like any information asap.

The Chair advised that Anne Gribbin, Head of Education Improvement and Efficiency, could advise the group on the impact of collaborations/ federations of educational outcomes.

James Sparkes felt that it would be sensible to send out updated finances with a reality check (maybe deferred slightly to allow remodelling).

Gwyneth Evans advised that the extra funding is only a proposal at this stage and that Schools Forum will need to agree how it is distributed when it is agreed.

Phil Adams suggested modelling on AWPU and adding a caveat.

Chris Endacott felt that it is important to get the modelling tool out to get schools used to it.  He added that the NOR issue need to be more widely publicised as it means if Shropshire loses 500 children over the new few years it will cost £2.5 million.

Peter Ingham said that mechanisms will not change and comparisons will be useful.  How schools are managed is what makes the difference.

Pete Johnstone felt that he knows there is more money but needs realistic figures.  He advised that he would be prepared to wait a few months for a more accurate and updated planning tool.

The Chair advised that 2014-15 position won’t change and felt that the tool was needed asap.

Mark Rogers cautioned that the financial model will be flawed.

Chris Davies suggested sending out for 2014-15 and delaying for 2015-16. He also suggested contacting Parish Councils to advise them of effect that not allowing developments is having.

Phil Adams thought it may depend on how the formula goes and may encourage more schools to engage with the decisions.

Pete Johnstone advised that at the Task & Finish Group meeting there had been evidence that even if house building increases the number of homes the pupil population remains the same.  New business is what is needed to increase the pupil population.

It was suggested that the discussion needed to be replicated with headteachers and governors – possibly at a Lord Hill Hotel event.

Gwyneth Evans suggested that the decisions re 2015-16 need to be taken as early as they can be.

Karen Bradshaw suggested that the Task & Finish Group arrange an earlier meeting and bring recommendations re formularising the new funding to the next Schools Forum meeting – it could be modelled on the same basis as now with the necessary caveats/health warnings.

Mark Rogers was still worried about the major effect of different decisions eg the lump sum.  He felt that the formula group needed to be reconstituted.

Ian Nurser advised that headteachers are planning their budgets.  There needs to be a statement from Schools Forum tempering the news eg re MFG, and the effects of pay rises/pension costs.

Schools Forum agreed on this.

The Chair suggested that it would be autumn term before indicative decisions are made re 2015-16.