The Schools' Forum meeting on Wednesday 30 September 2026 was scheduled to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn for the 2025-26 financial year, updates on the National Funding Formula (NFF) and school funding for 2027/28, and the outcomes of a consultation on mainstream schools' SEN top-up funding. The meeting also included a review of the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Capacity and Place Planning Strategy.

Dedicated Schools Grant Outturn 2025-26

A report on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn for 2025-26 indicated an overall overspend of £12.060 million. This was primarily driven by a significant overspend of £12.561 million in the High Needs Block, while the Early Years, Central Schools, and Schools blocks reported underspends. The total DSG unusable reserve was noted to stand at £20.112 million. The report highlighted that the sustained growth in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the increasing complexity of needs are the main factors contributing to the financial pressures within the High Needs Block. Projections suggested that without further intervention, these pressures would continue to grow, leading to a forecast deficit of £49.017 million by 2027-28.

Special Educational Needs and Disability and Alternative Provision Capacity and Place Planning Strategy

The Schools' Forum was presented with a rewritten Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Capacity and Place Planning Strategy for the period 2025-2030. This updated strategy incorporates the outcomes of the recent Area SEND inspection of Northumberland Local Area Partnership and reflects the government's White Paper, 'Every Child Achieving and Thriving'. The strategy outlines the council's commitment to a strategic, evidence-led approach to SEND and AP place planning, aiming to ensure sufficiency, quality, and sustainability. Key principles include prioritising inclusion within mainstream schools, ensuring children and young people access appropriate provision locally and without delay, and fostering partnership working with schools, trusts, health partners, and families. The strategy also details significant investment in specialist places, including the expansion of special schools and the development of Specialist Support Bases (SSBs) within mainstream schools.

National Funding Formula and School Funding Update

An update was provided on the implementation of the National Funding Formula (NFF) and related school funding information for 2027/28. The Department for Education (DfE) intends to move towards a Direct National Funding Formula, which will reduce local authorities' discretion over funding distribution factors. It was noted that Northumberland currently mirrors the NFF, and this has no implications for the council in terms of required adjustments. The report indicated that there is no confirmed total core Schools Budget level for 2027/28, but three changes for this period were noted: a downward adjustment to NFF funding due to a decrease in Teachers' Pensions Employer contributions, and the rolling in of the Schools Budget Support Grant (SBSG) into the NFF. The expansion of the Free School Meals (FSM) offer was also highlighted as having significant implications for school funding, with schools needing to ensure accurate October 2026 School Census data.

Mainstream Schools SEN Top Up Funding Consultation Results and Next Steps

The Schools' Forum received an overview of the consultation outcomes regarding proposed revisions to the mainstream SEND top-up funding framework. Feedback indicated a strong consensus among respondents that the current funding arrangements require review due to increasing numbers and complexity of pupils receiving support. The consultation revealed substantial support for structural changes, including clearer descriptors for funding bands, a revised financial progression, separate financial values for Bands 5 and 6, an extension of the standard banding framework up to £18,000, and an exceptional Band 8 for pupils with needs significantly exceeding standard bands. However, concerns were raised regarding the affordability of provision within the proposed bands, staffing costs, and implementation and transition arrangements. The report recommended supporting the principle of a revised banding framework, subject to further clarification and guidance addressing the identified concerns.

2026/27 Work Programme and Meeting Dates

The provisional work programme and meeting dates for the Schools' Forum were presented, outlining scheduled meetings and key topics for discussion throughout the 2026/27 academic year. These included further updates on the NFF, SEN, and the setting of the DSG budget.