Schools are represented on the Forum by
headteachers and school governors,
elected to reflect all categories of school. In Manchester; there are non-school
representatives from the teacher associations; additional
non-voting places are reserved for invited elected members and
representatives of other interested bodies.
The Forum members work together to provide a
clear consensus of professional advice to education
decision-makers, to achieve a transparent deployment of available
resources. The Forum provides a formal
channel of communication between the Council and schools for
consultation concerning the funding of schools, and aims to agree
recommendations which present the best possible compromise between
competing claims on limited resources; has strategic oversight of
ALL funding decisions affecting schools, and is involved in annual
consultation in respect of the Council's functions relating to the
schools budget in connection with the following:
·
pupils with SEN (Special Educational Needs)
·
early years
·
revisions to the Council's scheme for the financing of schools
·
administration of central government grants to schools including
Standards Funds
·
arrangements for free school meals
The Forum must be consulted on any proposed
changes to the Council’s school funding formula, and the
financial effects of any proposed changes.