The Schools Forum met on Wednesday 8 July 2026 to discuss the financial outturn for the 2025/26 academic year and the revenue monitoring for 2026/27, both of which highlighted significant deficits within the High Needs Block. The Forum also received updates on the progress of the High Needs Block Banding Framework and the Local SEND Reform Plan, noting the importance of these initiatives for future funding and service delivery.

2025/26 Revenue Outturn Report

Angela Blogg, Schools Finance Manager, presented the 2025/26 Revenue Outturn Report, which detailed an in-year deficit of £17.7 million. This deficit was primarily driven by pressures within the High Needs Block, although this was an improvement on the initial forecast of £24.5 million. The report indicated that three maintained schools had converted to academy status during the year, leading to adjustments within the Schools Block. The cumulative Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit stood at £52.9 million as of 31 March 2026. The Forum resolved to note the report.

2026/27 Revenue Monitoring Report

Angela Blogg also presented the 2026/27 Revenue Monitoring Report. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) forecast for this period remained broadly in line with budget assumptions, with an anticipated in-year deficit of £20.4 million, entirely attributable to the High Needs Block. The report highlighted emerging volatility in independent and non-maintained special school placements, with activity levels higher than the previous year. While it was too early to determine if these were permanent pressures, the situation would be closely monitored. Catherine Churchill raised concerns about growth funding allocated to St Cecilia's School and falling rolls elsewhere, prompting officers to acknowledge the need for further discussion on school place planning. The Forum resolved to note the report and agreed that School Place Planning would be discussed at a future meeting.

2027/28 DSG Budget Planning Timetable & Consultation Arrangements

Angela Blogg outlined the proposed timetable and consultation arrangements for the 2027/28 DSG budget process. Consultation with schools was scheduled to begin in September 2026, covering the National Funding Formula, growth funding, de-delegation proposals, and centrally retained funding for statutory services. Members expressed concern regarding the previous year's consultation process and requested greater engagement with the Schools Forum Chair, Vice-Chair, and the Schools Block Task and Finish Group. Officers agreed to incorporate this feedback. Discussions also touched upon future Schools Block transfers and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding national SEND funding arrangements. The Forum resolved to note the proposed timetable and consultation arrangements.

Banding Framework Update

Jamie Conran, Acting Service Director for SEND and Inclusion, provided an update on the first year of the High Needs Block (HNB) Banding Framework, which replaced the previous hours-based model for allocating top-up funding for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The framework aimed to create a more transparent and equitable funding system. Over 300 cases had transitioned to the new framework, with approximately 210 more to be carried forward. Funding in mainstream schools had increased by around 7%, exceeding the anticipated 4.8%. Lynda Wood reported on the Operational Working Group's findings, noting that while the tool generally worked well in mainstream settings, concerns remained about its effectiveness for children in specialist settings, particularly those with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and complex health needs. The Strategic Working Group's financial review suggested that special schools should be funded via a tiered model rather than individual pupil banding. Al Moore advised that implementing the proposed specialist school funding model would create an estimated additional annual HNB pressure of approximately £325,000. Ming Zhang emphasised that the banding framework should be considered alongside wider SEND system transformation work. The Forum resolved to note the report and the progress made.

Local SEND Reform Plan

Jamie Conran and Emma Shrimpton presented the Local SEND Reform Plan, which aims to create a more inclusive SEND system focused on early identification, high-quality support, and inclusive mainstream education. The plan had been developed within a condensed national timescale and submitted by the required deadlines. Approximately 50 partners contributed to its development. Key areas of the plan include a strengthened universal SEND offer, an Experts at Hand model, closer partnership working with specialist settings, and a sustainable workforce model. Approval of the plan by the Department for Education is expected to enable access to financial support, including the potential write-off of up to 90% of the Authority's cumulative DSG deficit. Councillor Prue Bray, Executive Member for Children's Services, noted that even with a 90% write-off, a significant deficit would remain in the HNB Budget. Iain Thomas inquired about Schools Forum's oversight of partnership arrangements, and members agreed that regular updates on the plan's implementation should be included in future work programmes. The Forum resolved to note the progress made in developing and submitting the plan and agreed to receive regular updates on its implementation.

Forward Programme

The Forum considered its Forward Programme and resolved to schedule an additional meeting in October due to the pace of change in SEND reform, school place planning, and funding matters. Suggested agenda items included updates on the Local SEND Reform Plan implementation, school place planning and falling rolls, and a review of Schools Forum membership. The Chair also noted that the appointments of the Chair and Vice-Chair would need to be reviewed. The Forum resolved to schedule an additional meeting in October.