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 forum on their school funding formula, as well as other issues in connection with schools budgets.

The Shropshire Schools Forum builds on a tradition of involving key stakeholders in the development of policy on school resources.

Role of schools forums

We consult the forum on four main areas:

• The school funding formula
• Issues within the schools budget, such as arrangements for pupils with special educational needs or early years education
• Wider education issues
• Service contracts and service level agreements

Although forums don't have the power of veto, LAs are required to take account of their views. They're able to commission and publish reports and research into school funding issues.

Forum membership

Elected headteachers and governors representing schools within Shropshire make up the forum. Trade unions, the Early Years and Childcare Partnership and the diocesan directors nominate "non-schools" members. The Education Funding Agency is entitled to send along an observer to meetings. Elected Shropshire Council members attend forum meetings in order to ensure good communication between the forum and decision makers.

Meeting dates

All meetings will be held from 8:30am to 10:30am at the Shrewsbury Training & Development Centre, Racecourse Crescent, Monkmoor, Shrewsbury, SY2 5BP.

Upcoming meetings as follows:

• 17 January 2019
• 31 January 2019 (provisional)
• 21 March 2019
• 6 June 2019

Take a look at the latest agendas, reports and approved minutes.