The Bexley Schools Forum met on Monday 15 June 2026 to discuss the outturn of the 2025/26 schools budget, the proposed financing scheme for schools in 2026/27, and an update on the local SEND Reform Plan. The meeting also covered funding following excluded pupils and managed moves, the draft schedule of meetings for the upcoming year, and the Bexley Schools Forum constitution.

Schools Budget 2025/26 Outturn

The forum was scheduled to receive information on the final position of the Schools Budget for the 2025/26 financial year, as reflected in the Council's draft Statement of Accounts. This included details on the accumulated deficit on the centrally managed element of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The report indicated that the delegated budgets for maintained schools showed net surpluses totalling £2.114 million as of 31 March 2026, a reduction of approximately 6% from the previous year. However, five schools closed with a deficit balance. For centrally-managed budgets, the envisaged in-year deficit for 2025/26 was £5.893 million, with the final outturn being a deficit of £10.099 million. This adverse variance was primarily attributed to high needs expenditure variations.

Funding Following Excluded Pupils and Managed Moves

The meeting was set to discuss the council's approach to adjusting or deducting funding following permanent exclusions or managed moves, in accordance with the School and Early Years Finance (England) Regulations 2025. Funding adjustments are calculated based on the number of weeks remaining in the financial year from the sixth school day after a permanent exclusion. The report noted that the Department for Education (DfE) expects maintained schools and academies to be treated equitably, with academy funding agreements requiring similar adjustments if requested by the Local Authority (LA). An academy had requested that the forum discuss the option of calculating adjustments on an academic year basis for academies and a financial year for maintained schools, which could create an exception in certain circumstances. The decision on this matter rests with the Local Authority.

2026/27 Scheme for Financing Schools

The forum was to consider the draft Scheme for Financing Schools for 2026/27. The report indicated that there were no directed revisions from the DfE this year, meaning no changes to the existing scheme were mandated. A draft of the scheme had been circulated to all maintained schools for comment.

Update on the Local SEND Reform Plan

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the local SEND Reform Plan. This report outlined the requirements from the DfE and NHS England for local SEND and AP partnerships to develop these plans, following the cessation of the Safety Valve Programme. The plan aims to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) by focusing on early intervention, local provision, fairness, effectiveness, and shared working across education, health, and care services. The report detailed the timeline for the development and submission of the plan, which involved workshops, consultations with parents and young people, and collaboration with various partners. The DfE's approval of the plan would unlock associated funding. The report also highlighted the financial implications, including the end of the Safety Valve programme and the introduction of a new High Needs Stability Grant, and outlined risks and mitigation measures associated with the reform process.

Bexley Schools Forum Constitution

The forum was asked to approve and implement an updated constitution, which had been last amended in June 2022. The proposed updates were intended to ensure continued compliance with national guidance and support effective governance and representation. The review focused on membership representation and proportionality, with refinements to the wording of sections relating to election and appointment processes. The updated document clarifies the membership structure, roles, and responsibilities of Forum members, as well as the procedures governing meetings and decision-making.

Draft Schedule of Meetings 2026/27

A draft schedule of meetings for the Bexley Schools Forum for the 2026/27 academic year was presented for consideration. This included proposed dates and times for meetings in October 2026, November 2026, January 2027, and June 2027.