The Redbridge Schools Forum is scheduled to convene on Thursday 19 March 2026, with a key focus on the financial allocations and management of schools within the borough. Discussions are expected to cover the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the upcoming academic year, alongside the monitoring of current school budgets and the financial health of maintained schools.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Allocations for 2026-2027

A significant portion of the meeting is anticipated to be dedicated to the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocations for the 2026-2027 academic year. This will include a review of the updated DSG allocation for 2026-2027, following the initial monitoring for the 2025-2026 period. The forum will consider the primary school to secondary school funding ratio, which is set at 1:1.35 for 2026-27 after applying a Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG) of 0%. Recommended school formula funding rates will also be presented for noting.

Furthermore, the forum is expected to agree on the budget for the Growth and Falling Rolls Fund from the 2026-27 DSG allocation, with specific amounts earmarked for the Growth Fund (£0.129m) and the Falling Rolls Fund (£0.461m), to be distributed according to established criteria. The report pack indicates that the final DSG allocation and schools funding formula are scheduled to be reported to Cabinet on 26 February 2026 and Council on 5 March 2026 for approval.

The report pack highlights that the National Funding Formula (NFF) will be used for the 2026-27 allocation, with an anticipated 3.1% uplift for the schools' block. However, it is noted that the NFF proved unaffordable when allocating funding, resulting in a shortfall of £2.644m. To address this, a proposal is outlined to reduce per pupil factors by 1.062% within the allowable range, ensuring minimum per pupil rates are maintained while keeping the Schools Block Funding affordable. Reconciliations are to be circulated to schools.

The Scheme for Financing Schools is also under review and is expected to be shared at the next meeting in March 2026.

School Budget Monitoring and Financial Health

The meeting agenda includes a review of the Maintained Schools Budget monitoring for Quarter 3 of the 2025-26 financial year. Schools are currently submitting their returns, with a further update to be provided at the subsequent meeting. A previous report indicated a forecast reduction of 28% or £5.7m in reserves across schools, with those anticipating a deficit being supported by the schools' finance team in developing recovery plans.

De-delegation and Services for Schools

Discussions are scheduled regarding de-delegation for 2026-27, with representatives for primary and secondary maintained schools being asked to approve the per pupil amounts. This includes an update on Trade Union facility time, where a recommendation is made to continue with pooled arrangements via de-delegation at £4.74 per pupil, a model used by most boroughs. The report pack indicates that de-delegated funding will remain the same, with allocations to each union adjusted in line with returns.

Additionally, the forum will consider the per pupil contribution for LA Statutory Services for maintained, mainstream schools, special schools, and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) for 2026-27. This is proposed to increase by £0.71 to £28.17 per pupil, with a total of £967,000 to be top-sliced from schools.

High Needs Block Update

An update on the High Needs Block is also on the agenda. For 2026-27, the allocation will incorporate funding previously received as a separate grant and will be based on 2025-26 figures with adjustments, rather than the NFF. High needs funding is projected to be £71,966,561. The report pack highlights a significant projected deficit for the High Needs Block, forecasting a £12M deficit by the end of 2026-27 and a £24M deficit by the end of 2027-28, including the carry-forward deficit.

The report pack also includes details on out-of-borough placements for pupils with complex needs, noting that there are 105 such pupils at an average cost of £54,087 per pupil, compared to £12,725 for in-borough placements. The council is exploring expanding its own provision to accommodate these pupils.

Other Agenda Items

The meeting will also cover the ratification of the Schools Forum Constitution and Terms of Reference, as well as the Schools Grants for 2025-26 and 2026-27. A review of the Central Schools Services Block (CSSB) and historical commitments for 2026-27 is scheduled, with a specific focus on centrally employed teachers. The Growth and Falling Rolls Fund for 2026-27 will be discussed, with allocations on hold and to be brought to the next meeting. Finally, arrangements for the Early Years Single Funding Formula for 2026-27 will be presented, including updates on spend and reserves, and agreement on the pass-through rate, centrally retained funding, and surplus distribution.

The meeting will conclude with a review of the work plan and the scheduling of future meetings.