Schools Budget Forums

Schools forums are key to developing informed and confident dialogue between authorities and their schools on budgetary issues including schools' funding levels for the coming years, pressures on future years' budgets, changes to local funding formula and reviewing contracts/service level agreements for services to schools.  

Local authorities are required to consult their schools forum annually on matters relating to their Schools Budget and changes to their Scheme for Financing Schools.  Authorities can also consult their forums on other matters concerning the funding of schools, for example the financial implications of arrangements for free school meals, arrangements for insurance and arrangements for the use of pupil referral units and the education of children otherwise than at school. 

Independent review of the effectiveness of school forums in Wales

In August 2008, the Welsh Assenbly Government commissioned the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) to carry out a review of the effectiveness of School Forums in Wales. The Final Report and Executive Summary published in January 2009 are attached below. Based on the findings of the review, the Welsh Assembly Government produced a best practice guide to assist school forums to carry out their roles and responsibilities more effectively by providing them with best practice tips.  The guide is attached below.