The Schools Forum of Shropshire Council met on Thursday 10 September 2026 to discuss the local SEND inclusion formula, the financial health of maintained schools, and the monitoring of the Dedicated Schools Grant. The meeting also covered the constitution and membership of the Forum itself, as well as future meeting dates.

Local SEND Inclusion Formula

The forum was scheduled to consider the local formula for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inclusion. This topic was presented by SC.

Maintained School Balances and Forecasts

A report was scheduled to be presented by Jo Morris, the DSG Funding Officer, detailing the budget forecasts for Shropshire's local authority maintained schools for the financial year ending 31 March 2027. The report indicated that Shropshire maintained schools' surplus balances were projected to increase from £3.5 million to £3.7 million between March 2026 and March 2027.

The report outlined that surplus balances are carried forward for individual school use, while deficit balances are carried forward against the following year's budget. Schools planning a deficit budget must agree a licensed deficit arrangement with the local authority. The report noted that 21 out of 54 maintained schools were forecasting a surplus of over 10% of their budget share, and 2 schools were forecasting a deficit. The report was for information only.

Dedicated Schools Grant Monitoring 2026-27

The forum was scheduled to receive an update on the monitoring of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2026-27 academic year, with the report being presented by SW.

Constitution, Terms of Reference, and Membership Working Group

A working group, led by JR and JM, was scheduled to present information regarding the Schools Forum's constitution, terms of reference, and membership. The report detailed the statutory basis for the forum, stemming from Section 43 of the 2002 Education Act and subsequent regulations. It outlined the required membership composition, ensuring that school and academy members comprise at least two-thirds of the forum, with proportionate representation from primary schools, secondary schools, and academies. The report also specified the election procedures for members and the roles of the Chair and Vice Chair.

The constitution also detailed meeting procedures, including the requirement to meet at least four times a year, quorum requirements, and decision-making processes, which aim for consensus but can be decided by a simple majority. The forum's decision-making powers were outlined, focusing on the retention or de-delegation of income for central expenditure and the authorisation to deduct prior year's central deficits. The report also highlighted the forum's consultative role on various matters, including arrangements for pupils with SEND, pupil referral units, early years provision, and the allocation of central government grants.

Work Programme and Meeting Dates

The forum was scheduled to review its work programme for the upcoming year, with a list of indicative reports and responsible officers provided. Additionally, future meeting dates for the 2026/27 academic year were to be confirmed, with all meetings scheduled to take place via Microsoft Teams.

Communication

A final agenda item was scheduled for 'Communication', presented by BD.