The Ealing Schools Forum is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, with a key focus on the financial arrangements for schools in the upcoming academic year. A significant portion of the meeting's agenda is dedicated to discussing school funding for 2026-27, including proposals for the Scheme for Financing Schools and updates on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms.

School Funding 2026-27

A substantial report is scheduled for discussion regarding school funding for the 2026-27 academic year. This includes proposals for the Scheme for Financing Schools, which outlines the financial relationship between the council and its maintained schools. The report also provides updates on the Schools White Paper and SEND reforms consultation, as well as Ealing's Local Area SEND Reform Plan. Additionally, the forum will receive information on the top-up funding arrangements for 2026-27.

The report details proposed changes to the Scheme for Financing Maintained Schools, with the aim of agreeing to a revised scheme effective from 1 April 2026. Discussions are also expected to cover the High Needs Block (HNB), including updates on funding announcements related to the Schools White Paper and SEND reforms consultation, and an update on the Local Area SEND Reform Plan.

The report highlights significant national reforms to the SEND system, with a strong emphasis on earlier intervention, improved mainstream inclusion, and a reduction in reliance on statutory processes. New and expanded funding streams are being introduced to support this transition, including the Inclusive Mainstream Fund, which will provide substantial funding over three years to support inclusive practices. The Experts at Hand initiative is also detailed, aiming to provide advice and direct support to early years settings, mainstream schools, and Further Education colleges.

Specific attention will be given to top-up funding arrangements for 2026-27. The Ealing Level Descriptor Project aims to create a more fair, consistent, and transparent funding system for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). This includes a review and increase of top-up values for special schools and specialist provision in mainstream schools, taking into account factors such as pay and inflation pressures, and cohort changes. The report also outlines the funding for alternative provision (PRUs) and the ongoing work on a new funding model for mainstream schools with specialist provision.

Membership of the Ealing Schools Forum

The meeting agenda includes a review of the current membership of the Ealing Schools Forum. The term of office for members is generally three years, with councillors appointed annually. The report pack lists the categories of members, including representatives from special schools, nursery schools, primary schools, high schools, pupil referral units, academies, and non-maintained SEN providers, as well as representatives of staff nominated by recognised trade unions, VA and Faith Ethos Academy/Free School providers, PVI nursery providers, the 16-19 partnership, and non-executive members of the council.

Scheme for Financing Schools 2026-27

A key item for discussion is the proposed Scheme for Financing Local Authority Maintained Schools for the financial year 2026-27. This document, based on Department for Education guidance, sets out the financial relationship between the council and its maintained schools. It covers various aspects of financial management, including financial controls, budget share instalments, treatment of surplus and deficit balances, income, charging of school budget shares, taxation, provision of services by the authority, insurance, and community facilities. The report seeks approval for the revised scheme, which is substantially the same as the previous year's with minor updates. The scheme maintains the existing balance control mechanism for excess surplus balances, with a decision on its implementation for the current year to be made in June.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The forum will be asked to approve the minutes of the previous Ealing Schools Forum meeting, which took place on 22 January 2026. These minutes would typically record the discussions and any decisions made at that earlier meeting.