The Leicestershire Schools' Forum is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 22 September 2026, with discussions anticipated to cover school sustainability, the proposed constitution for the forum, and updates on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. The meeting will also address the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn and the Early Years budget for 2026/27.

School Sustainability

A key focus of the meeting is expected to be school sustainability, with a report detailing the financial position of maintained schools across Leicestershire. The analysis, conducted by EPI Consulting, examines budget submissions from 65 maintained schools. The report highlights that as submitted, these budgets show a total cumulative deficit of £26.50 million by March 2029. Of the 65 schools, 57 are forecasting a cumulative deficit, amounting to £26.98 million, while eight schools are projecting a surplus of £0.48 million.

The report identifies several key financial themes within the submitted budgets, including workforce affordability, with median staffing costs projected to rise to 84.1% of income by 2028/29, exceeding the benchmark range of 75-78%. Average teacher costs are also expected to increase, and median leadership costs are reported to remain around 15% of income, against a benchmark of 10-12%. The analysis also notes SEND and inclusion pressures and non-pay expenditure. The report is for noting by the Schools Forum.

School Forum Constitution

The Leicestershire Schools Forum is set to consider a revised constitution for its operations. This updated document aims to provide a clearer and more consistent governance structure, outlining the Forum's role, membership, voting arrangements, meeting procedures, and standards of conduct. The proposed constitution is intended to be effective from 22 September 2026 and will be read alongside statutory frameworks governing Schools Forums and relevant school finance regulations. The Forum will be asked to approve the revised constitution, with minor drafting amendments permissible post-meeting if they do not alter the substance of any decisions made. The revised constitution simplifies membership arrangements and clarifies voting and quorum provisions.

SEND Sufficiency and Investment Fund

The meeting agenda includes items on SEND Sufficiency and the SEND Investment Fund, although the specific papers for these discussions are to follow. However, previous discussions within the provided documents indicate that the Leicestershire County Council is addressing rising EHCP¹ demand and costs, and an increased reliance on specialist provisions. The SEND Reform plan, submitted for Department for Education approval, focuses on early intervention in mainstream settings and aims to improve outcomes and value for money. A key element of this reform is the Experts at Hand model, designed to provide multidisciplinary support in mainstream settings. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for this funding to replace existing spend rather than enhance it, and the sustainability of the model beyond March 2029.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Outturn

An update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn is scheduled for discussion. The report highlights a significant overspend for 2025-26, primarily attributed to the High Needs Block. This overspend is linked to rising SEND demands, a substantial increase in EHCP applications, and increased placement and service costs. The cumulative DSG deficit is projected to reach £79.2 million and may continue to rise. While there is potential government support for DSG deficits, this is contingent on the approval of the SEND Reform plan. Mitigation efforts, such as the TISIL programme, have achieved significant cost avoidance, but further actions are deemed necessary.

Early Years Budget 2026/27

The Early Years Block Budget for 2026/27 will be presented for information. The report confirms that Leicestershire County Council has met the minimum pass-through rate of 97% for funding streams related to three- and four-year-olds, and nine months to two-year-olds. The centrally retained amount covers quality improvement, advisory, and administrative costs.