The Schools Forum met on Monday 28 September 2026 to discuss the 2026/27 finance update and the SEND Futures Plan. The forum received an update on the latest Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocation and the projected DSG outturn position for the 2026/27 financial year. They also received an update on the progress of Kingston's SEND Reform Plan and the subsequent refresh of the SEND Futures Plan.

2026/27 Finance Update

Melanie Hanson, Head of Finance for Richmond, presented the 2026/27 finance update, highlighting the current Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocation and its application to the schools' budget. The forum was informed that the DSG allocation for 2026/27 is £219.233 million before recoupment and £112.502 million after recoupment.

A significant concern raised was the projected in-year overspend of £18.508 million for 2026/27, with the majority of this deficit (£18.495 million) attributed to the High Needs Block. This brings the cumulative deficit on the DSG to £20.532 million, which is projected to be £16.947 million after factoring in an estimated stability grant of £16.947 million.

Councillor Sachin Tulyani raised questions about benchmarking Kingston's DSG performance against other councils, particularly regarding the per-head spend on students with special educational needs. Melanie Hanson explained that pressures in the high-needs block are a national issue, with Richmond experiencing similar challenges. Charis Penfold, who also contributed to the discussion, noted that the high-needs block formula, originally devised some time ago, is a contributing factor to the inequalities and challenges faced by local authorities.

The Central Schools Services Block is projected to have an overspend of £314,000, largely due to additional clarification from the Department for Education (DfE) regarding which items can be charged to this block and the High Needs Block, leading to a realignment of budgets. The Early Years Block, however, is forecast to have an underspend of £300,000.

The forum also discussed a new pilot proposed by the DfE to trial an increase in the notional SEN threshold. However, Achieving for Children (AfC) officers recommended not participating at this stage due to concerns about the notional SEN needing to be the same across all Local Authorities (LAs) and the funding not being ring-fenced.

The Schools Forum noted the latest DSG allocation for the 2026/27 financial year and noted the projected DSG outturn position for the 2026/27 financial year.

SEND Futures Plan

Charis Penfold provided an update on Kingston's SEND Reform Plan and the refresh of the SEND Futures Plan. The purpose of this update was to inform the forum about the progress of the SEND Reform Plan and to advise that it will be incorporated into the SEND Futures Plan, creating a single strategic transformation plan for the local area.

Kingston submitted its draft SEND Reform Plan to the DfE on 19 June 2026 and is awaiting confirmation. The plan is scheduled to launch at a conference on 15 October 2026. The DfE has also outlined expectations for quarterly reporting on the SEND Reform Plan.

A key focus of the plan for the first year is the implementation of the Specialist Expertise at Hand model, which aims to provide early intervention, advice, and support to schools, providers, and early years settings without the need for an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) needs assessment or plan. This will be delivered through a cluster model. Another workstream focuses on inclusivity in mainstream schools, with a locally developed inclusion charter and strategy.

Concerns were raised regarding the recruitment of educational psychologists (EPs) and occupational therapists (OTs), which is a national challenge and could impact the implementation of the Specialist Expertise at Hand model. Additionally, the ongoing consultation and potential cuts within the Integrated Care Board (ICB) are impacting their capacity to engage with SEND reforms.

Councillor Sachin Tulyani noted a significant difference between Kingston's 7% increase in EHC plans and Richmond's 7% decrease. Charis Penfold explained that this is likely due to the differing demographics and prevalence of need in the two boroughs, rather than a difference in the application of processes, as the SEND service and systems are consistent across both.

The forum also discussed the funding for the Specialist Expertise at Hand model, which is for three years. There was a question about what would happen if recruitment targets were not met and if the funding could be clawed back. It was confirmed that the indicative budget is just over £1 million for each of the two boroughs in year one, and this can be rolled over into year two, but not beyond.

The forum received the update on the SEND Futures Plan and noted the progress.

Cluster Budget Update

A verbal update was provided on the cluster budget. Esther White raised a question about the shift in focus from devolving funding in the original clusters to workforce development to fit the reforms. It was confirmed that the focus has indeed shifted, and the pot of money is smaller. The expertise of Rebecca Harris and Tina Harvey, who have been leading the current work, was highlighted as significant for workforce development.

It was noted that while there is a lack of EPs nationally, which impacts the Specialist Expertise at Hand model, Tina Harvey is committed to staying in an advisory capacity. The partnership work with Achieving for Children (AfC) was also celebrated as a strength.

The forum was informed that the High Needs block had been paused for one meeting and would remain paused while reforms are implemented and the model is developed. Clarity on the cost implications of unmet needs and part-time timetables is expected in November.

Other Updates

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Monday 18 November 2026 at 3:30 pm, which will be an online meeting. Another online meeting is scheduled for Monday 18 January 2027 at 3:30 pm. Attendees were reminded about ongoing consultations and encouraged to submit any questions.