The Schools Forum was scheduled to consider updates on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years, as well as review deficit recovery plans for schools. The Forum was also scheduled to receive an update on SEND reforms.

2026-27 Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Update

The Schools Forum was scheduled to receive an update on the current position of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2026-27 academic year. This report was intended to provide information on the funding and spend position for this period. The DSG is a ring-fenced grant that funds the Schools Budget, which is divided into four blocks: Schools Block, Central Schools Block, High Needs Block, and Early Years Block. The report was scheduled to detail the allocations for each block, comparing them to the previous academic year and outlining projected outturns. It was also scheduled to highlight the de-delegated budgets retained by the local authority, including a projected overspend within the trade union budget.

2027-28 Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Update

The Schools Forum was scheduled to be presented with current funding proposals for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2027-28 academic year. As no new guidance had been published by the Department for Education (DfE) at the time of the report, the proposals were based on the assumption that local funding formulae would continue to align more closely with the National Funding Formula (NFF). The report was scheduled to cover potential changes to High Needs block allocations, the implementation of SEND reforms, uplifts to NFF factors, and pupil premium eligibility reforms. It was also scheduled to address the management of DSG deficits once the statutory override ends in March 2028. The report was also to include information on Early Years funding, outlining consultation proposals and potential financial impacts based on changes in deprivation data and hourly rates.

2027-28 Deficit Recovery Plans - Schools

The Schools Forum was scheduled to review the current financial standing of maintained schools, specifically focusing on those with deficit revenue balances. The report was intended to provide an analysis of school balance trends and the financial sustainability of maintained schools, highlighting the increasing pressures faced due to falling pupil numbers and surplus school places. The report was scheduled to present modelling of four potential future scenarios, all indicating a weakening of maintained school balances over the medium term. It was also scheduled to identify several strategic risks, including a deterioration in balances leading to a collective net deficit, continued reductions in pupil numbers, and financial sustainability challenges for smaller schools. The report was scheduled to recommend a coordinated borough-wide approach involving maintained schools, academies, and neighbouring local authorities to address these challenges.

SEND Reform Update

The Schools Forum was scheduled to receive a visual presentation update on SEND reforms from STARRS¹. This update was expected to provide information on the progress and implications of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms.