The Tameside Council Schools' Forum met to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit, review the SEND sufficiency strategy, and update the forum's forward plan. The forum noted the reports on these topics, and also reviewed and approved the Schools' Forum's terms of reference, principles, and constitution for the 2025-26 academic year.

Dedicated Schools Grant Finance Update

The Schools Forum received an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budget for the 2025-26 financial year. The report highlighted a significant forecast in-year deficit of £24.357m, primarily driven by pressures on the High Needs Block, which supports children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This deficit contributes to a cumulative forecast deficit of £46.447m by the end of March 2026.

Key points from the update:

• High Needs Block Deficit: The High Needs Block is projected to have a £24.810m deficit due to increased demand for services and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Early Years Block: The Early Years Block is expected to have a deficit of £3.734m, but this may change following a funding adjustment.
• Statutory Override: A statutory override is in place for the DSG, which means the deficit is excluded from the council's general fund balances until it expires on 31 March 2028. After this date, the deficit will become the council's responsibility.
• School National Funding Formula 2026-27: The Department for Education (DfE) plans to publish the National Funding Formula (NFF) allocations and guidance for the schools block, central school services block, and high needs block in the autumn term of 2025.
• Transfer from Schools Block: The council intends to request a 0.5% transfer from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block, subject to affordability, to address the pressure on high needs funding.
• New Free School Meal Grant: Starting in September 2026, free school meals will be extended to all children in households receiving Universal Credit, funded through a separate grant.

The report also noted that the council is working on a deficit recovery plan with the DfE.

SEND Sufficiency

The Schools Forum received an update on the council's strategic approach to SEND sufficiency, including the development and opening of new SEND units and resource provisions. The aim is to meet increasing demand and improve access to specialist support within mainstream settings.

Key updates included:

• New SEN Units: The council is progressing with the phased opening of additional SEN Units across the borough, with formal DfE approval received for all proposed units.
• Interim Funding Arrangements: Interim funding arrangements have been established to support pupils currently placed in enhanced provision within mainstream schools, with five schools agreeing to extend these arrangements into the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Capital Investment: A capital investment of £1.5 million has been endorsed to ensure that all newly established SEN Units are appropriately equipped and resourced.
• Phase 2 of SEND Sufficiency Work: The council has initiated Phase 2 of its provision planning, focusing on further expanding specialist and inclusive provision to meet emerging and unmet needs across all key stages.

The report highlighted that the expansion of mainstream SEN units will deliver over 100 additional places within mainstream schools, enabling more pupils to remain within their local communities. The new SEN Units are consistent with the council's updated SEND Strategy following the inspection and represent a strategic investment in inclusive education.

Schools' Forum Membership, Constitution and Terms of Reference

The Schools Forum considered a report outlining the updated terms of reference, principles, and constitution for the forum. The document covers the relevant governance expected surrounding the Schools' Forum, including:

• The Terms of Reference
• Schools' Forum Principles
• Schools' Forum Constitution
• Schools' Forum Membership
• Schools' Forum Voting Procedures

The Schools Forum supported the publication of these documents on the council's website.

Schools' Forum Updated Forward Plan 2025-2026

The Schools Forum received an updated forward plan of reports and meeting dates for the financial year 2025-26. The meeting dates are:

• Tuesday 23 September 2025, Tameside One
• Tuesday 25 November 2025, Teams
• Tuesday 20 January 2026, Teams (to be confirmed)

The updated forward plan of reports includes:

• Forum Membership (September)
• DSG Finance Update 2025/26 (September)
• SEND Sufficiency Update (September)
• DSG Monitoring Update (September)
• SEND sufficiency and High Needs Update (November)
• De-delegation items (if applicable) (November)
• Funding Formula 2026/27 (November)
• DSG Monitoring update (January)
• Schools Forum Forward Plan (January)

Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 24 June 2025 were approved as a correct record, with an amendment to reflect discussion and planned actions relating to the Schools Catering Contract Review. It was noted that concerns had been raised in relation to the contract ending without consultation and the cost of meals.