The Redbridge Schools Forum meeting scheduled for 19 March 2026 was set to cover a range of financial and strategic matters concerning the borough's schools. Key discussions were expected to focus on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocations for the upcoming academic years, school budget monitoring, and the High Needs Block funding. Significant attention was also anticipated for updates on the Local Area SEND reforms and the associated financial implications.

High Needs Block Update

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to address the High Needs Block update. This included a review of the 2025-26 financial position, which indicated a projected in-year deficit of £12.188 million, adding to a cumulative deficit of £0.754 million. The forecast for the 2026-27 financial year suggested a further deficit of £12 million, potentially rising to £24 million by 2027-28. The report detailed the projected expenditure across various placement types, including mainstream primary and secondary schools (both in and out of borough), special schools, non-maintained and independent schools, post-16 provision, pupil referral units, and personal travel budgets. Significant overspends were noted in special schools in borough and non-maintained/independent schools. Central services, such as Specialist Advisory Teaching Support, also showed projected overspends. The High Needs Funding Sub-Group had met to discuss terms of reference, deficit pressures, data analysis, banding matrix and funding consistency, and the review of additional notional funding. The report highlighted that the Department for Education (DfE) had temporarily suspended the use of the National Funding Formula (NFF) for 2026-27, basing allocations on 2025-26 figures with adjustments. The DfE's approach to Dedicated Schools Grant deficits and the introduction of a High Needs Stability Grant were also to be discussed, with the grant potentially covering up to 90% of eligible deficits as at 31 March 2026.

DSG Allocations and School Budget Setting

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocations for 2026-2027. It was noted that there would be a 3.1% uplift for the schools' block. However, applying the National Funding Formula (NFF) resulted in a shortfall, leading to a proposal to reduce per pupil rates by 1.062% to ensure affordability. The report also detailed the in-year DSG monitoring for 2025-26, which forecast an £11.089 million overspend, contributing to a projected carry-forward deficit of £5.559 million to 2026-27. The overspends were primarily within the High Needs Block. Schools' budget monitoring for 2025-26 indicated a forecast 28% reduction in reserves across schools, with some schools in deficit and receiving support for recovery plans.

De-delegation and Services for Schools

Discussions were planned regarding de-delegation for 2026-27, including an update on trade union facility time. Three options were presented for covering these costs: ending de-delegation, invoicing each other, or continuing with pooled arrangements at £4.74 per pupil, which was recommended. Increases in per pupil contributions were proposed for LA Statutory Services for maintained schools, special schools, and PRUs. The report also detailed de-delegation rates for other services, such as Schools Causing Concern, Free School Meals Eligibility, Staff Costs Supply Cover, Schools Contingency Fund, and School Improvement, with proposed increases for 2026-27.

Early Years Single Funding Formula

The meeting was to review the Early Years Single Funding Formula (EYSFF) arrangements for 2026-27, including updates on spend and reserves. Forum members were asked to agree the pass-through rate, centrally retained funding, and the distribution of the surplus. The pass-through rate was proposed to increase from 96% to 97%, and the Local Authority proposed a 3% central retention. A surplus of £2.249 million was to be distributed, with 50% retained and 50% distributed in the spring term based on 2025-26 claims.

SEND Reforms and Priority Action Plan

An update on Local Area SEND reforms was scheduled, outlining the government's commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The ambition is to create an inclusive education system with early, high-quality support, local provision, fair and effective systems, and shared responsibility. The DfE announced significant investment to expand specialist and adapted provision. Local authorities are expected to produce a Local SEND Reform Plan based on five national principles: Early, Local, Fair, Effective, and Shared. Key immediate actions for local areas include convening partners, reviewing data, using assessment tools, drawing on inspection outcomes, and ensuring a high-quality local SEND offer. Recommended next steps for the local area included establishing a SEND Reform Steering Group, undertaking a baseline assessment, using a Maturity Assessment Tool, reviewing alignment with national principles, engaging schools, preparing an outline structure for the reform plan, and strengthening communication with parent carer forums. The financial implications of these reforms were noted, with significant investment planned nationally and expectations for local authorities to demonstrate strong financial management.

Other Agenda Items

The agenda also included items on the ratification of the Schools Forum Constitution and Terms of Reference, Schools Grants for 2025-26 and 2026-27, and the Work Plan, including the time and date of the next meeting. A Further Information Report was also listed, covering progress on actions from previous meetings, and Any Other Business was scheduled.