Issue - meetings

Lynne Samuel, Senior Finance Specialist presented the matters arising paper.

Insurance scheme for maintained schools

Lynne Samuel stated that the Department for Education (DfE) had published the consultation on the extension of the risk protection arrangement (RPA) to maintained schools.  It was now confirmed that the RPA scheme would be extended to maintained schools from April 2020, however this depended on local arrangements as Schools Forums had already agreed the de-delegated fund for this year. 

Given that the current year’s proposals had already been agreed, Lynne Samuel proposed to set up a group to meet in the summer to consider the implications and options available to schools for the next year.  Therefore, any changes would apply to the 2021/22 financial year.

Lynne Samuel stated that Insurance Officers were willing to join the group discussions and help to explore options.

In response to a question, Lynne Samuel stated that it looked like the RPA option was cheaper, however, it was important to consider if it offered the same level of protection.  The size of the school was also a consideration, particularly for smaller schools who benefited from the advice from the Local Authority’s insurance team.  It was necessary to help schools to make an informed decision.

In response to a question, Lynne Samuel stated that insurance contracts could run for a number of years, therefore, there could be potential financial implications for the Local Authority if new arrangements were sought.  She stated that the Council’s insurance was very comprehensive, covering a wide range of circumstances.

Carol Simpson stated that this option should be considered as the saving was significant, on the surface, for her school it was in the region of £10k per year.

Corrina Gillard and Carol Simpson agreed to take part in a new Task and Finish group to look at options around schools’ insurance.  This would be reported back to Schools Forum at the next meeting.

Sian Lehrter asked if all academies took part in the RPA, it was established not all did, some had opted for independent providers.  Sian Lehrter stated that the RPA was a government run scheme, and as such it had a duty of care towards schools.  If schools put together a business case explaining unforeseen circumstances (referencing the corona virus outbreak and trips overseas), the government would probably to cover it.  She stated that RPA was not the same as other commercial insurances, and that schools should consider it, as it was very cost effective.

Sian Lehrter was invited to join the discussion group and she agreed.

Schools Block Budget 2020/21 – changes to indicative allocations

Lynne Samuel stated that the indicative Block Budgets were approved in the January meeting and submitted to the DfE.  Following the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) review, there were a few queries which had now mostly been resolved.   There had been some changes to the minimum per pupil level and the use of year groups rather than phases, these were unforeseen circumstances.

The changes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38