The Schools Forum of Manchester Council is scheduled to meet on Monday 15 June 2026. The meeting agenda includes discussions on the Dedicated Schools Grant outturn for the 2025/26 financial year, proposed amendments to the Scheme for Financing Schools regarding the recovery of academy conversion costs, and the funding implications of SEND reforms. Additionally, changes to Free School Meals from September 2026 are also scheduled for discussion.

Amendment to the Scheme for Financing Schools – Recovery of Academy Conversion Costs

A key item on the agenda is the proposed amendment to the Scheme for Financing Schools, which would allow the Local Authority to recover eligible costs incurred when a maintained school voluntarily converts to academy status. This proposal follows an approval by the Council's Executive on 13th March 2026. The report outlines that the amendment would enable the Local Authority to recoup these costs from a school's final budget share payment before its conversion. A schedule of charges for different school types has been proposed, ranging from £10,000 for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools, down to £7,000 for Voluntary Aided Schools. The report indicates that a consultation with maintained schools on this proposed amendment took place between 23rd April and 6th May 2026, with five responses received. The proposed amendment to Section 6.2 of the Scheme for Financing Schools states: Recovery of costs incurred by the Local Authority in respect of maintained schools that voluntarily convert to academy status. Charges will be reviewed annually by the Strategic Director in consultation with the City Treasurer. The charge will be recouped from the school's final budget share payment before the school converts to academy status. ¹

SEND Reforms and Funding Implications

The meeting is also scheduled to consider the implications of national SEND (Special Educational Needs) reforms and their associated funding. This follows the Department for Education's (DfE) publication of a Schools White Paper in February 2026, which outlined a vision for higher educational standards, a refreshed curriculum, and revised accountability measures. The reforms include proposals for a new universal offer for SEND support, a three-tiered system of targeted and specialist assistance, and a move towards Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) being reserved for children with the most complex needs. The report notes that Manchester's proportion of pupils with EHCPs already exceeds national projections, presenting ongoing financial pressures on the High Needs Block. The DfE has announced significant funding for these reforms, including revenue funding between 2026/27 and 2027/28, and capital funding up to 2029/30.

Changes to Free School Meals from September 2026

The Schools Forum will also review proposed changes to the arrangements for Free School Meals, which are set to take effect from September 2026. The Forum has a role in the annual consultation regarding the Council's functions relating to the schools budget, including arrangements for free school meals.

Dedicated Schools Grant Outturn 2025/26

A report is also expected regarding the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn for the 2025/26 financial year. This follows a previous discussion in March 2026 concerning the DSG High Needs Block, where it was noted that Manchester's cumulative DSG deficit was forecast to reach £61.4m by the end of 2025/26. The government's announcement of a 90% write-off for local authority accumulated High Needs deficits was discussed, with the remaining 10% to be managed through local DSG management plans.