The Schools Forum met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss the council's energy procurement strategy, proposed amendments to the Forum's terms of reference, and updates on school funding and the High Needs Block. Key outcomes included noting the proposed renewal of the energy procurement strategy, agreeing to proposed changes to the Schools Forum and High Needs Block Subgroup terms of reference, and commenting on the draft 2027/28 budget consultation document.

Update on Camden's Energy Procurement Contract Renewal for 2028-2032

The Forum was informed about the council's proposed renewal of its energy procurement strategy for 2028-2032. This strategy involves aggregating energy spend across schools, housing, and the corporate estate with approximately 250 other public sector organisations to secure lower energy costs through a public sector buying organisation. The strategy also includes forward purchasing energy to hedge against market volatility. The intention is to continue this strategy, subject to Cabinet approval in November. The Forum noted this report.

Amendments to Terms of Reference: Schools Forum and High Needs Block Subgroup

Proposed changes to the Schools Forum's terms of reference were presented, including the addition of a representative from the Early Years Private, Voluntary, & Independent (PVI) sector and a reduction in the minimum number of annual meetings from five to four. Amendments to the High Needs Block Subgroup (HNBS) terms of reference were also proposed, following discussions at a previous meeting. The Forum agreed to these changes, including an amendment to the HNBS membership wording to allow for wider participation beyond just Schools Forum members. The revised terms of reference were noted.

Funding Update and Schools Funding Consultation: 2027/28

The Forum received an update on the national funding position for 2027/28, noting the delay in the Department for Education's (DfE) release of notional National Funding Formula (NFF) figures. For budget planning purposes, it was assumed that there would be an inflation uplift to the NFF Schools block, which the council proposed to pass on to schools. It was also anticipated that there would be minimal changes to the current NFF funding formula for 2027/28. The council proposed continuing with earlier decisions to make no changes to the local funding formula, subject to DfE statutory requirements. The Forum agreed to this approach, noting the proposed timetable for consultation on the local funding formula and agreeing to the continuation of school budgets being funded entirely from the annual schools block Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocation. They also agreed to the continuation of the local formula's historic treatment of rent for Holy Trinity and Our Lady Schools as an exception premises factor. The Forum was asked to comment on the draft 2027/28 budget consultation document.

High Needs Block (HNB) 2026/27 Update

An update was provided on the High Needs Block projection for 2026/27, indicating an increase in the in-year deficit from £10.7 million to £11.24 million. This increase was attributed to growth across all budgets, particularly in out-of-borough placements and individual tuition spend. The report highlighted that while national SEND reforms are underway, Camden is not currently eligible for additional funding or a deficit write-off as it remains in an overall DSG surplus position. The Forum noted the report.

Schools Forum Work Programme and Action Tracker

The Schools Forum's work programme for 2026/27 and an update on actions from previous meetings were presented. It was noted that the December Schools Forum meeting had been removed from the schedule. The Forum noted the report, with a request for information on Early Years sufficiency and childcare uptake to be included in the November update. Members also requested that the action relating to Published Admission Numbers (PAN) remain open.

The meeting also noted future meeting dates and confirmed that the next meeting would be held fully in-person.