The Schools Forum was scheduled to consider a range of financial and operational matters concerning schools in Stockport. Key discussions were scheduled to focus on the 2027/28 budget planning, including the construction of the local funding formula and de-delegation options. Updates on school funding, including teachers' pay, free school meals expansion, and pensions, were also scheduled, alongside reforms related to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and early years provision.

Executive Summary

The Schools Forum was scheduled to receive an executive summary report outlining the key business matters on the main agenda. This report was intended to help members focus on the most important areas for discussion and decision-making. The Forum was recommended to note the executive summary and offer feedback for future reports.

2026/27 Schools Forum Terms of Reference and Membership Review

A joint report from the Director of Finance and the Director of Education, Work and Skills was scheduled to be considered, detailing the Schools Forum's Terms of Reference (ToR) and any proposed amendments. The report was also to provide an update on the Forum's membership, including current vacancies and attendance records. Members were asked to note the report, accept the ToR document, determine member allocation, discuss membership and vacancies, and note attendance positions. An induction session for new members was also scheduled for November 3rd.

Funding Update: Teachers' Pay, FSM Expansion, and Pensions

The Forum was scheduled to receive an update on recent key school funding and grant announcements. This included information on the teachers' pay award for 2026/27 and 2027/28, with details on how the funding was scheduled to be distributed. An update on changes to employer contributions for Teachers' Pensions from April 2027 was also planned. Furthermore, the report was to cover the expansion of the Free School Meals (FSM) grant, aligning with national policy changes from September 2026, and updates on PE and Sports funding. Members were recommended to note the report and offer any comments.

2027/28 Budget Planning

The Schools Forum was scheduled to discuss the requirements, plans, and indicative timeline for setting the 2027/28 budget. This included considering options for the overall construction of the Schools Budget, financed by the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), and addressing the management of the DSG deficit position. Key areas for discussion were the planned construction of the local funding formula model for schools' delegated budgets, de-delegation options for maintained schools, and the continuation of the School Improvement top-slice of LA maintained school budgets. The Forum was also to discuss and give views on the Local Authority's (LA) proposals relating to block transfers.

SEND Reforms

A verbal report was scheduled to provide the Schools Forum with an update on SEND reforms. This update was expected to cover current activity and next steps in the implementation of these reforms.

DfE Consultations: Early Years and SEN

The Forum was scheduled to receive an update on the latest Department for Education (DfE) consultations concerning early years and SEND funding. The report was to detail key proposals, the LA's response, and potential impacts for Stockport. Discussions were expected to cover proposed changes to the early years entitlement funding system, including improving access for low-income families, support for children with SEND in the early years, and streamlining funding allocation. The consultation on upfront mainstream funding for SEND was also to be discussed, including the LA's decision not to participate in the initial pilot scheme.

Infant Class Size Funding

An update was scheduled on the distribution of infant class size (ICS) funding to schools from the retained schools' block central reserve. This funding was intended to help schools comply with ICS regulations, ensuring no more than 30 pupils per class across Key Stage One. The report was to detail the schools that were scheduled to receive financial support and the amounts allocated.

Schedule of Meetings and Training

The Schools Forum was scheduled to review the remaining meeting dates for the 2026/27 academic year. Members were to be given the opportunity to request reports for future meetings, propose amendments to the forward planner, and suggest items for training and development sessions. The report included the agreed schedule of meetings and an annual schedule of business.