The West Northamptonshire Schools Forum met on Tuesday 13 October 2026 to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) monitoring, school funding for 2027-28, and early years funding proposals. Key actions included noting the DSG forecast outturn, endorsing consultation proposals for schools funding and early years funding subject to specific clarifications, and endorsing updated terms of reference for the Forum.

DSG Monitoring 2026-27

The Schools Forum noted the forecast outturn position for the year ending 31 March 2027, which indicated a significant overspend, primarily within the High Needs Block. Emily Cooledge, Strategic Finance Business Partner, presented the figures, highlighting that the cumulative deficit was projected to reach nearly £71 million. This was despite the receipt of nearly £50 million from the High Needs Stability Grant, linked to the acceptance of the local SEND reform plan. The overspend is largely attributed to increased demand and costs associated with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Discussions also touched upon the impact of the High Needs Stability Grant, with members expressing concern that the council was being penalised due to surpluses in other DSG blocks, which reduced the overall deficit and thus the grant received. The ring-fencing of funds was also a point of contention, with members frustrated that funds intended for specific sectors were no longer ring-fenced when the council faced an overall deficit.

Schools Funding 2027-28 - Consultation Proposals

Beth Baines, Senior Finance Business Partner, presented the consultation proposals for schools funding in 2027-28. The Forum endorsed these proposals, with a key amendment to include a question about what should happen to any surplus remaining in the schools block if the proposed 0.5% transfer to the high needs block was not approved. This transfer, which has been in place since 2023, aims to help manage the High Needs Block deficit. The consultation also sought views on the growth fund, falling rolls fund, central school services block expenditure, and de-delegations for trade union facility time, school improvement grants, and redundancy support.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the proposed 0.5% transfer from the schools block to the high needs block. Concerns were raised that this funding, intended to support high needs pupils, could indirectly fund independent settings. The potential impact of this transfer on schools' own funding was also debated, with some arguing that schools were effectively paying twice due to previous transfers reducing the overall deficit and thus the amount of grant received from the government.

Trade union representatives, including Richard Davies and Elaine Smith, spoke in favour of continuing the de-delegation for trade union facility time, highlighting its importance in supporting schools and preventing costly disputes. They also noted the upcoming changes with the reinstatement of the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB).

Early Years Funding 2027-28 - Consultation Proposals

The Forum endorsed the consultation proposals for early years funding in 2027-28, subject to further consideration being given to the best wording of questions on the proposed introduction of a two-tier funding rate for 2-year-old provision. Katie Morlidge presented the proposals, which aim to ensure that a higher funding rate for providers offering places for children accessing the Early Learning for 2-year-olds entitlement would not be taken away from funding for other 2-year-olds.

Discussions highlighted concerns about the declining take-up of the Early Learning for 2-year-olds entitlement and the potential impact of a two-tier system on providers. Hayley Walker and Bev Churchman raised questions about the wording of the consultation questions to ensure clarity and fairness, particularly regarding whether an enhanced rate for disadvantaged 2-year-olds would be funded from existing budgets or through new funding. The issue of a potential trapped surplus in early years funding was also raised, with a suggestion to explore legal advice on recovering these funds.

Review of Schools Forum Terms of Reference

James Edmunds presented the proposed updated terms of reference for the Schools Forum. The Forum endorsed the updated terms, subject to updating roles of council officers and inclusion of a further definition supporting the reference to good and outstanding schools in the Schools Forum Functions table. The proposed approach to applying the four-year term of office to current Forum members was also endorsed. Minor amendments were suggested regarding the reference to Ofsted criteria and the inclusion of specific council officer titles.

Other Business

The Forum also elected Dan York as Vice-Chair for 2026-27 and noted the latest version of the Forward Plan. Apologies for absence were received from several members, and new members were welcomed.