The Schools Forum met on Wednesday 24 June 2026 to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and national SEND reforms, as well as the proposed work plan for the upcoming financial year. The Forum noted the financial pressures on the High Needs Block, alongside updates on national SEND reforms and funding allocations.

Schools Forum Work Plan 2026/27

The Schools Forum was presented with the proposed work plan for the 2026/27 financial year. Members agreed that the work plan was in the standard format with no material changes to the timetable. The plan outlines the schedule of key business for the Forum, including standing items such as updates on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and the High Needs Block. The work plan also includes consideration of emerging issues, such as responses to Department for Education (DfE) consultations on SEND reforms. The Forum noted that the work plan may evolve throughout the year.

Dedicated Schools Grant High Needs Block and Implementing National SEND Reforms in Lewisham

The Schools Forum received an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block (HNB) and the implementation of national Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms in Lewisham. Members were informed that the 2025/26 provisional outturn for the HNB showed an in-year overspend of £5.5 million, indicating continuing financial pressures within the SEND system. Despite these pressures, Lewisham has seen a marginal slowing in the increase of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) due to effective back-office working, although national trends show an increase.

The Forum noted the implications of the national SEND Reform Programme, which aims to create a more inclusive, effective, and financially sustainable SEND system. Lewisham has submitted its draft Local SEND Reform Plan to the DfE for approval, which is crucial for securing the High Needs Stability Grant, potentially covering up to 90% of the accumulated HNB deficit of £24.4 million. Lewisham has been allocated £2.19 million through the Experts at Hand programme and Local Authority SEND Transformation Fund, and £2.09 million through the Inclusive Mainstream Fund for Lewisham schools. The Experts at Hand grant is intended to provide schools with quicker access to specialist advice and intervention, with 80% of the funding directed towards supporting schools.

Concerns were raised by members regarding workforce capacity for the new Experts at Hand teams, as local authorities and NHS teams may compete for staff. The Forum also discussed the exploration and review of high needs top-up banding values in Lewisham, with funds from the Schools Block Transfer being reinvested into schools through SEND advisors, Nurture UK training, and special school outreach. The Forum was informed that there is a high level of uncertainty across the system during the SEND reform transformation.

In response to a query about the fairer distribution of disadvantaged children between schools, officers were to liaise with LB Hackney, who are exploring this issue.

DSG 2025/26 Outturn and 2026/27 Funding Update

The Schools Forum noted the report on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) 2025/26 outturn and the draft schools' balances position, as well as the initial DSG 2026/27 funding update. The report confirmed a draft overspend of £5.5 million for the 2025/26 DSG, primarily within the High Needs Block, which is a deterioration from previous projections. The cumulative DSG position now stands at £24.1 million.

Regarding school balances, the report indicated a net reduction in overall balances from £10.6 million to £7.3 million for 2025/26. However, 24 schools were in deficit, totalling £13.4 million, while 42 schools held surpluses totalling £20.7 million. The Forum noted that schools in deficit are being supported by the local authority with recovery plans. For schools with significant surpluses, there is a concern that funding may not be invested in current pupils, and the council may need to consider mechanisms for engagement with these schools.

The update on 2026/27 DSG funding indicated a projected overspend of approximately £4.5 million in the High Needs Block, though it is hoped this figure will be lower due to mitigation plans and SEND reforms. The report also provided updates on various grants, including an uplift to Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM), the expansion of Free School Meals (FSM) eligibility, and the cessation of the PE and sport premium, which will be replaced by a new network. The Inclusive Mainstream Fund, aimed at strengthening inclusive practice in schools, will provide £2.09 million to Lewisham schools for 2026/27.

Other Business

Angela Scattergood, Director of Education, Lewisham, attended her last Schools Forum meeting. The Chair thanked her for her valuable services and wished her well for the future.