The Schools Forum of Wokingham Council met on Wednesday 8 July 2026 to discuss the financial outturn for the 2025/26 Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), the revenue monitoring report for the 2026/27 financial year, and updates on the High Needs Block banding framework and the Local SEND Reform Plan. The meeting also included a review of the forum's forward programme for the 2026/27 academic year.

2025/26 Revenue Outturn Report

The forum was scheduled to receive and consider the 2025/26 Revenue Outturn Report, which detailed the financial performance of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The report indicated a net overspend of £17.7 million for the 2025/26 financial year, representing 7.9% of the total DSG income. When combined with a brought-forward deficit of £36.9 million and partially offset by £1.7 million from the Safety Valve programme, the cumulative DSG deficit at the end of March 2026 was £52.9 million. The report highlighted that the High Needs Block remained the primary driver of this deficit.

2026/27 Revenue Monitoring Report

A report on the 2026/27 Revenue Monitoring was presented, providing an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) forecast as of 31 May 2026. At the time of budget setting, an in-year deficit of £20.4 million was projected, with the pressure continuing to be within the High Needs Block. Taking into account the brought-forward deficit of £52.9 million from the previous year, a cumulative deficit of £73.3 million was forecast for the end of the 2026/27 financial year. The report noted that while the 2025/26 outturn had reduced the cost base, the discontinuation of the Safety Valve Programme, coupled with forecast growth in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and unit costs, was projected to increase the deficit by 27.5% year-on-year.

High Needs Block Banding Framework Update

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of the High Needs Block (HNB) Banding Framework and its implementation. The report detailed the work of the High Needs Block Implementation Board, as well as the Strategic and Operational Working Groups established to provide oversight and detailed analysis. Early analysis suggested that the impact of banding in mainstream schools was broadly in line with projections, with an overall funding increase of 7%, higher than the anticipated 4.8%. For specialist provision, the Strategic Working Group concluded that a tiered funding approach, rather than individual banding, would be more appropriate. The report also highlighted the need for further review of resource bases and units. To support short-term financial stability, a Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG) for the 2026/27 academic year was proposed.

Local SEND Reform Plan

The forum was also scheduled to consider the Local SEND Reform Plan. This plan serves as the core delivery and accountability framework for local partnerships aiming to create an inclusive SEND system, with a focus on early identification, high-quality and consistent support, inclusive mainstream education, and specialist support where needed. The plan was developed through extensive engagement with around 50 partners, including school leaders, parent carer forums, health partners, and local authority services. The report outlined the timeline for the plan's development and submission to the Department for Education (DfE) to secure investment funding.

Forward Programme

Finally, the Schools Forum was set to consider its work programme for the 2026/27 academic year. This included scheduled monitoring reports, budget updates, and discussions on the Local SEND Reform Plan. Future meeting dates were confirmed for December 2026, January 2027, and March 2027.