The Lincolnshire Schools' Forum met on Thursday 8 October 2026 to discuss significant financial pressures within the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), particularly concerning the High Needs Block, and to consider proposals for the National Funding Formula for the upcoming academic year. Key decisions included the approval of a 0.5% transfer from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block for 2027/28, the continuation of the primary rents factor, and the agreement to maintain the Minimum Funding Guarantee at +0.0%.

Revised Schools Budgets 2026/27

Lizzie Bowes, Strategic Finance Manager, presented a report detailing the revised schools budget for 2026/27. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) position was discussed, highlighting a significant structural deficit, with the High Needs Block being the primary area of concern. The authority entered a structural DSG deficit for the first time in 2025/26, with a cumulative deficit of £25 million by March 2026. The forecast for 2026/27 indicated a High Needs Block overspend of approximately £51 million, leading to an overall DSG overspend forecast of £53.4 million. Members expressed concern about the escalating deficit, with Martin McKeown questioning where the money would be made up from. Ms Bowes explained that the High Needs Sustainability Grant would cover 90% of the previous year's deficit, but acknowledged that long-term system reform was required. The forum was asked to note the content of the report.

National Funding Formula for Schools - Update for 2027/28

Lizzie Bowes also presented an update on the National Funding Formula (NFF) for 2027/28. The consultation focused on four key areas: affordability, the Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG), the primary rents factor, and a proposed 0.5% transfer from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block.

Regarding affordability, the council proposed to continue making a downward adjustment to Age Weighted Pupil Unit (AWPU) values across all schools if affordability pressures arose. This approach was supported by 83.9% of respondents. The forum voted in favour of this proposal.

On the Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG), the proposal was to continue with the maximum level of protection permitted by the Department for Education (DfE), which is +0.0%. This ensures no school experiences a reduction in per-pupil funding. This proposal received 93.5% support from respondents and was also approved by the forum.

The primary rents factor, which supports primary schools incurring rental costs for their sites and buildings, was supported by 96.8% of respondents. The forum agreed to the disapplication request for its continuation.

Finally, concerning the proposed 0.5% transfer from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block, there were mixed views, with 64.5% of respondents not supporting it. However, if responses from eight academies within the same trust were treated as a single response, support would increase to 45.8%. This proposal was met with significant discussion, with concerns raised about the impact on mainstream school budgets. Despite the reservations, the forum voted in favour of the transfer, which is intended to support initiatives aimed at improving inclusion and managing demand pressures within the High Needs Block.

De-delegation of Maintained Schools Budgets 2027/28

Lizzie Bowes presented proposals for the de-delegation of certain budgets for maintained schools in 2027/28. The report highlighted that due to Lincolnshire's overall DSG deficit, the De-Delegation Reserve of £753,000 had to be used to contribute to the deficit, meaning costs previously supported by reserves now need to be reflected in annual funding rates.

Maintained primary school representatives voted to agree to the continuation of funding for schools in financial difficulties, with a slight increase in the per-pupil rate from £4.50 to £4.68. They also agreed to continue funding for the Ethnic Minority and Traveller Education Team (EMTET) at £9.13 per pupil.

All maintained school representatives voted to agree to the funding for Maintained Locality Lead Support and School Intervention Support at £21.50 per pupil, and for the continuation of funding for internal audit services at £6.26 per pupil. Concerns were raised by some headteachers about the cost of these services, particularly in light of no audits having been received yet, but assurances were given that audits would be completed within a three-year cycle.

Alternative Provision Arrangements

Kate Capel, Head of Service for Inclusion, provided an update on alternative provision (AP) arrangements in Lincolnshire for 2024/25. The report detailed the commissioning of AP places at Springwell Academy and other independent providers, as well as the development of AP hubs within mainstream schools. Data showed a decrease in overall permanent exclusions in Lincolnshire in 2024/25, although rates remained higher than national and regional averages. Suspensions rose in 2025/26, with persistent disruptive behaviour being the main reason. The forum was asked to note the contents of the report.

Early Years Annual Report

Geraldine O'Neill, Sustainability and Development Manager, presented the Early Years Annual Report for 2025-26. Key achievements included the successful implementation of expanded childcare entitlements, with 82% of parents reporting their childcare needs were being met. The childcare market showed resilience, with 857 Ofsted-registered providers and an additional 513 childcare places created. The School-Based Nurseries Programme secured significant capital funding, and the Wraparound Childcare Programme supported over 2,000 places. Best Start Family Hubs continued to provide integrated support, and workforce development saw over 3,700 bookings for training courses. The forum was asked to note the report and agree the proposed priorities for 2026-27.

Update on Schools White Paper, SEND Reforms and High Needs Funding

Katie Marsden, Head of Service for SEND, provided an update on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) activity and reforms. Demand for SEND support continued to grow, with a 54% increase in EHCNA requests in Lincolnshire between 2021 and 2025. While Lincolnshire performed well in meeting the 20-week statutory deadline for EHCP issuance, a notable 83.2% of annual reviews resulted in amendments, significantly higher than national averages. This high amendment rate is being investigated to understand the underlying causes. The report highlighted the significant financial pressures on the High Needs Block, driven by increasing EHCP volumes, demand for mainstream top-up funding, and the growth in independent specialist placements. The council has invested in additional capacity within the SEND team and is progressing with SEND reform plans, including the development of Experts at Hand and cluster models. The forum was asked to note the content of the report.

Academies and Trust Update

Ady Clarke, Education Reorganisation Officer, presented an update on academies and trusts in Lincolnshire. As of 1 September 2026, there were 200 academies in Lincolnshire, representing 55.4% of all schools. No further academy conversions had occurred since the previous report, although two primary schools had merged. The report detailed the number of academies within different trusts, with Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust having the most Lincolnshire academies. The forum was asked to note the contents of the report.

Lincolnshire Schools' Forum Work Programme

Rachel Wilson, Democratic Services Officer, presented the proposed work programme for future meetings. Dates for the remainder of 2027 were confirmed, and a proposal was made to hold the January 2027 meeting in person, with the April 2027 meeting moved to 15 April due to a clash with a county council meeting. A training session for members on 12 November was also proposed. The forum was invited to discuss and agree the work programme.