The Schools Forum of Enfield Council was scheduled to consider updates on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and school funding arrangements for the upcoming financial years. The meeting was also scheduled to review the annual report from maintained schools' internal audits and discuss the Delivering Better Value in SEND programme.

Election of Chair and Vice Chair

The Schools Forum was scheduled to elect a Chair and Vice Chair for the remainder of the municipal year.

Minutes and Matters Arising

The minutes from the previous Schools Forum meeting held on 8 July 2026 were scheduled to be received and noted, along with any matters arising from those minutes.

Presentations and Information

Several updates were scheduled to be presented:

• Delivering Better Value (DBV) Update: Ms Olivia Bray was scheduled to present an update on the impact and learning from Enfield's Delivering Better Value in SEND programme as it moves towards closure. This programme aimed to strengthen inclusive practice, improve early support, and enhance outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The report highlighted successes in transitions, inclusion in mainstream settings, preparation for adulthood, and the use of emerging technology.
• SEND Reform Plan and SEND Area Inspection: Information regarding the SEND Reform Plan and the outcomes of the SEND Area Inspection was scheduled to be provided.
• Maintained Schools Audit Annual Report: Ms Marion Cameron was scheduled to present the annual report on the internal audits of maintained schools. This report was expected to detail the findings of audits conducted throughout the 2025-26 financial year, highlighting areas of compliance and identifying any risks or opportunities for improvement. The report indicated a slight decline in assurance opinions compared to the previous year, with an increase in high-risk findings.
• Data Protection Services Update: Ms Andrea Kilby was scheduled to provide an update on the Data Protection Services offered to schools. The report outlined the services provided, response times, and planned activities for the 2026/27 academic year, including training sessions and self-assessment audits.

Discussion and Decision Items

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to focus on financial matters relating to schools:

• Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) 2026/27 Update: Mr Nick Basye was scheduled to present an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2026/27 financial year. The report detailed the updated DSG allocations and the budget monitoring position, which indicated an expected overspend in the High Needs Block, contributing to a cumulative DSG deficit. The report also mentioned government support for DSG deficits through the High Needs Stability Grant.
• 2026/27 School Funding Update: Mr Nick Basye was scheduled to provide an update on national announcements relating to school funding for 2027/28. This included information on the National Funding Formula, funding for the Teachers' Pay Award, and the expansion of Free School Meals eligibility. The report noted uncertainty regarding the funding implications of the Free School Meals expansion.
• 2027/28 School Funding Arrangements: Mr Nick Basye was scheduled to present information on the 2027/28 school funding arrangements, based on the Department for Education's published policy document. This outlined the methodology for the National Funding Formula, including mandatory and optional funding factors, and the proposed timetable for finalising school budgets.
• De-delegation 2027/28: Mr Nick Basye was scheduled to present proposals for de-delegated services for the 2027/28 financial year. The report summarised the services de-delegated in 2026/27, such as GDPR contingencies, Free School Meals eligibility, licenses and subscriptions, and Trade Union Facilities Time. It also proposed maintaining current de-delegation arrangements for 2027/28 with a 3% uplift for inflation.

Workplan

The Schools Forum's workplan for upcoming meetings was scheduled to be reviewed.

Any Other Business

An item concerning SEN Finance updates was scheduled to be discussed.

Future Meetings

The dates for future Schools Forum meetings were scheduled to be confirmed.