The Schools Forum of Lewisham Council met on Wednesday 24 June 2026. The meeting agenda included discussion of the financial outlook for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), including outturn positions for the 2025/26 financial year and funding updates for 2026/27. The agenda also covered plans for implementing national SEND reforms and the proposed work plan for the upcoming academic year.

Schools Forum Work Plan 2026/27

The Schools Forum was scheduled to consider a proposed work plan for the 2026/27 financial year. This plan was intended to provide a structured framework for decision-making throughout the year, incorporating standing items and anticipated business. The report was expected to outline the schedule for key elements of the forum's work programme, with the possibility that further items would be added as the year progressed. The work plan was also anticipated to detail proposed dates for future Schools Forum and High Needs Sub Group meetings.

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

Discussion was planned regarding the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block (HNB) and the implementation of national Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms in Lewisham. The report was expected to highlight continuing financial pressures on the HNB, potentially exacerbated by increased demand for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), specialist placements, and the Hospital Outreach Programme.

The national SEND Reform Programme, launched in February 2026, aims to create a more inclusive, effective, and financially sustainable SEND system. Lewisham's draft Local SEND Reform Implementation Plan was to be submitted to the Department for Education (DfE) for approval. The report was expected to note any allocations received through the Experts at Hand and Local Authority SEND Transformation Fund, and the Inclusive Mainstream Fund for 2026/27. These funds are intended to support the development of local multi-agency services and strengthen mainstream provision.

The report was also expected to detail the financial year 2025/26 provisional outturn for the HNB, including any reported overspend. This overspend would be attributed to increased demand and costs associated with specialist placements and support services. The DfE's SEND reforms include the potential for a High Needs Stability Grant, which could cover up to 90% of the accumulated HNB deficit, provided Lewisham's Local SEND Reform Implementation Plan is approved.

DSG 2025/26 Outturn and 2026/27 Funding Update

The meeting was to review the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) position for the 2025/26 financial year, including any draft overspend. This figure would reflect ongoing pressures on the HNB. The cumulative DSG position was to be reported.

The report was expected to provide a breakdown of the DSG allocation across the Schools Block, Central School Services Block, High Needs Block, and Early Years Block. The Schools Block was to be noted as largely spent to balance, with a small provision for the Growth Fund. The Early Years Block position was expected to remain provisional pending finalisation of pupil number validation. The High Needs Block was to be reported with any significant overspend.

The report was also expected to present a draft of schools' balances for 2025/26, indicating any net reduction in overall balances. It was to highlight the number of schools in deficit and the total value, as well as the number of schools holding surpluses exceeding 15% of their budget. The report might suggest that schools with extreme surpluses should manage their balances carefully to ensure funding is invested in current pupils.

An initial update on the 2026/27 DSG funding was to be provided, showing any projected overspend for the High Needs Block. This projection would be based on service estimates and subject to the finalisation of the SEND reform programme and 2026/27 allocations. Updates on various government grants, including Universal Infant Free School Meals, the Free School Meals expansion grant, and the PE and sport premium, were also to be noted.