Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 8, 2025

Purpose:

Content:  RESOLVED: •         That Schools Forum agreed with WNC’s proposal to continue to transfer 0.5% of funding from the schools block to the high needs block in 2026-27.   •         That Schools Forum agreed with WNC’s proposal to balance the schools individual budget shares by applying a cap to year on year per pupil increases if necessary.   •         That Schools Forum agreed with the growth added into the schools budgets for new and growing schools where new classes are being added but were not yet in the October census (referred to as weighted average numbers).   •         That Schools Forum agreed with the growth fund budget proposal to cover additional classes in schools in 2026-27.   •         That Schools Forum agreed with the creation of a falling rolls fund.   •         That Schools Forum agreed with the falling rolls fund being £0.5m from the schools block for 2026-27.   •         That Schools Forum supported the proposed central schools services block expenditure.   •         That Schools Forum agreed Option 1 in respect of trade union facility time de-delegation (continue with the current rate of £7.93 per pupil).   •         That Schools Forum agreed with the continuation of the School Improvement Grant at the rate of £4.50 per pupil.   •         That Schools Forum agreed with the proposal for the continuation of the redundancy fund at an unchanged rate of £4.00 per pupil to support schools that are restructuring to prevent a deficit budget.