Parents’ Forum 28th February 2013

Agenda 1. Reminder about the Role and organisation of the Parents’ Forum 2. Bulge class presentation 3. Questions

The Parents’ Forum At Balgowan we believe that a Parents’ Forum offers an informal way for parents, staff and governors to come together to discuss the development of the school. We actively encourage parents to build partnerships that will promote their involvement in their child’s education.

What is a parents’ forum? A parents’ forum is an active group for a school or early years setting, generally arranged in a series of meetings organised by the Head Teacher or a senior manager. The purpose of our parents’ Forum is:- To give parents a voice in the school. To involve parents in the life of the school. To ensure a free flow of communications between parents and staff. To act as a link with the local community.

Who are involved in the forum? All parents, carers and staff at the school are given the opportunity to attend the forum and take part in discussions. It does not have responsibilities or decision making powers. These belong to the governing body. For example the Parents’ Forum cannot change policies, but can comment on them prior to their implementation.

Ground rules No issues will be selected that would bring the school into disrepute. Everyone at the forum is entitled to hold an opinion, or to disagree with an opinion, but that it should not become personalised. The forum is not the place to air grievances, either by staff or parents. Grievance and complaints procedures are in place to deal with issues should they arise. Equally it is not the place to discuss the progress or attainment of individual children within the school.

Balgowan Primary School Bulge Class

What is the reasoning behind the decision?

What is the financial situation facing the school?

New Funding Formula One lump sum of £ 180,000 to be paid to all schools. One Age Weighted Pupil Unit value for Reception, Key Stage 1 and 2. Deprivation - £ 1,500 per pupil based on Free School Meal entitlement. With English as an Additional Language (EAL) - £ 1,000 per pupil based on less than 3 years in compulsory education. Low Cost/High Incidence Special Educational needs (SEN) - £ 2,500 based on pupils achieving 73 points or less at Early Years Foundation Stage Profile for Primary Schools.

Indicative Budget under current formula: £ 1,938,046 Indicative Budget under new formula: £ 1,746,846 Difference: £ 191,200 (-9.87%) With minimum funding guarantee protection: £ 1,912,440 Difference(current budget) £ 25,607 (-1.32%)

The ‘ best ’ case scenario means the school will be up to £ 80,000 worse off from September Budget reduction of 1.32%: £ 25,607 Essential ICT up-grading: £ 20, % increase in cost of goods and services: £ 8,216 Nationally agreed pay rises and pay progression: £ 26,177 Total: £ 80,000

What options have the governors considered to deal with the funding shortfall?

i) Do nothing ii) Re-structure the staffing of the school iii)Increase income through additional lettings iv)Make efficiency savings v)Take additional Reception pupils in

When was the decision taken?

Why were parents not consulted about it?

How do we know a decision will not be made to introduce another bulge class in ?

Are you intending to take a bulge class every 7 years?

Does the school have the capacity to take 30 additional pupils?

Where will the additional class be accommodated?

How will the EYFS work with an extra class?

Concern that the four classes would not always be beside each other in the school.

will the ICT suite be re-located? Where will the ICT suite be re-located?

Concern about the likely increase in traffic volumes in roads around the school

Concern about congestion on the site.

Concern about congestion in the corridors.

Have you assessed the health and safety aspects such as toilet provision?

Accommodating the additional children at lunchtimes and breaktimes.

Other Practical considerations: Gymnastics and PE.

Concern that the Catchment area will be greater, then reduced.