The Schools Forum of Warwickshire Council met on Wednesday 5 November 2025 to discuss the Schools Funding Block for 2026-27. The Forum voted to approve the transfer of 0.5% of Schools Block funding to the High Needs Block for 2026-27, provided it did not affect the 'hard' National Funding Formula (NFF) allocations to schools.

Schools Funding Block 2026-27

The primary focus of the meeting was the proposed transfer of 0.5% of the Schools Block funding to the High Needs Block for the 2026-27 academic year. Ross Caws, Head of SEND and Inclusion, introduced the report, explaining that the Department for Education (DfE) had not yet published details of the National Funding Formula (NFF) rates or indicative budgets for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). Therefore, the recommendations were based on various potential scenarios.

The proposal was to transfer 0.5% of the Schools Block DSG to the High Needs Block DSG, amounting to approximately £2.484 million based on 2025/26 allocations. This transfer was intended to fund places in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) resourced provisions, aligning with the financial approach of the Delivering Better Value (DBV) programme. The report highlighted the continued increase in children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the rising unit costs of independent specialist provision as key drivers for the pressure on the High Needs Block.

A consultation with schools and academies had taken place between 25 September and 23 October 2025. The results showed a split in opinion: 48% were in favour of the transfer if it did not affect 'hard' NFF allocations, while 52% opposed it. However, when asked if they would support the transfer even if it did affect 'hard' NFF allocations, 76% indicated they would not. The most common reasons for supporting the transfer were to address growing need and support resourced provision. Conversely, the primary reasons for opposing it were that schools cannot afford the move and no benefit to our school.

During the discussion, members raised concerns about the financial strain on schools, the lack of confirmed national funding rates for 2026-27, and the potential impact on schools operating with deficits. Andy Mason highlighted that some schools, like Stratford-upon-Avon School, would be affected more severely by the proposed transfer. Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Education, acknowledged these pressures and noted the Council's declaration of a SEND funding emergency in September 2025, which aimed to strengthen lobbying efforts for improved government funding.

Despite the concerns, there was a recognition of the positive impact of SEND resourced provisions. Rebecca Harrison shared that a resourced provision at Park Hill Junior School had led to significantly improved attendance and wellbeing for pupils. Gillian Bowser reported similar positive outcomes from a Specialist Resourced Provision (SRP) at Stockingford Academy, which had helped prevent exclusions and supported children's progress.

Ultimately, two votes were held:

• Recommendation 1: The transfer of 0.5% of Schools Block funding to the High Needs Block for 2026-27 if sufficient funding is available without affecting the 'hard' NFF allocations to schools.

  • This recommendation was unanimously approved by the Schools Forum members.

• Recommendation 2: The transfer of 0.5% of Schools Block funding to the High Needs Block for 2026-27 even if this will affect (i.e. reduce) the 'hard' NFF allocations to schools.

  • This recommendation was unanimously rejected by the Schools Forum members.

Recommendation 3 was not taken forward as no alternative percentage transfer was proposed.

Forward Plan

The Schools Forum noted the Forward Plan for upcoming meetings, with the next meeting scheduled for Wednesday 15 January 2026 as a virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams.

Chair's Business and Any Other Business

There were no other items of business raised during this part of the meeting.