Issue - meetings

Purpose of report

To request that the Cabinet Member agrees to use Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) balances to fund the deficit in The Harbour School budget, following the endorsement of Schools Forum.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member:

(1) Note the significant progress that has been made to address the financial and structural issues at The Harbour School, including predicting a balanced in-year budget for 2017-18.

(2) Agrees to use £868,258 from DSG balances to fund the remaining deficit in the Harbour School budget.

(TAKE IN REPORT)

The report was introduced by Julia Katherine, Head of Inclusion. 

Councillor Hockaday wished to place on record the excellent work done with Harbour School and added that the new headteacher has been doing an outstanding job.  Councillor Horton endorsed this and said this was a good news story with the situation looking steady going forward. 

Mr Stoneman added that Schools Forum members had been concerned about other schools in the same situation however he wished to reassure members that there were exceptional reasons for The Harbour School's deficit which led to the need for a staff restructure and changes to the curriculum.  With regard to other schools the LA is closely monitoring schools and where there is any sign of schools moving towards a deficit, the Local Authority is going in early to arrange meetings with schools with follow up monitoring.  

DECISIONS: The Cabinet Member:

(1)  Noted the significant progress that has been made to address the financial and structural issues at The Harbour School, including predicting a balanced in-year budget for 2017-18.

(2)  Agreed to use £868,258 from Dedicated Schools Grant balances to fund the remaining deficit in the Harbour School budget.