The Wandsworth Schools Forum was scheduled to consider updates on the Dedicated Schools Grant, the use of independent specialist provision, and the progress of the Nursery Inclusion Project for All (NIPA). The meeting was also scheduled to discuss the Responsive Support Offer, a pilot programme aimed at providing intensive, multi-agency intervention for children with complex needs in mainstream settings.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Monitoring FY 2026-27

The Schools Forum was scheduled to receive an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) forecast for the 2026-27 financial year. The report indicated an expected overall overspend of £16.112 million, primarily driven by a projected £23.112 million overspend in the High Needs Block. This overspend is attributed to rising demand for Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) support, increasing complexity of need, and higher costs for specialist placements. Despite a declining school-age population, the number of children and young people requiring support through Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has continued to rise, placing sustained pressure on High Needs expenditure. The report highlighted that independent specialist placements are the largest single year-on-year driver of this expenditure, with costs increasing due to both volume and price.

Independent Specialist Provision: Demand, Costs and Future Priorities

An updated analysis of Wandsworth's use of independent specialist provision was scheduled to be presented, detailing trends in demand and expenditure. The report indicated a growing reliance on independent specialist provision, with over 400 children and young people now placed in such settings, a 12% increase from April 2026. Annual expenditure has more than doubled since 2020/21, reaching a forecast of £21.05 million in 2026/27. The report suggested that a significant proportion of pupils in independent settings could have their needs met within local state-funded provision. The analysis highlighted that placement pressure is increasingly concentrated in the secondary phase, with new secondary placements rising by 140% between 2022/23 and 2025/26. The report also detailed the current provider profile and costs, noting that autism-related provision accounts for a substantial portion of placements and expenditure.

Nursery Inclusion Project for All (NIPA) - Update

An update on the Nursery Inclusion Project for All (NIPA) was scheduled to be provided, focusing on its impact during the 2025-26 academic year. NIPA aims to improve outcomes for children, families, and practitioners through early identification, inclusive provision, workforce development, and family partnership. The project supported 18 settings in 2025-26, offering a universal offer and a targeted offer to 118 children. The report was expected to highlight the progress made by children in prime areas of development and the impact on the likelihood of pupils requiring an EHCP. Financial cost avoidance figures were also to be presented, estimating savings through early intervention. The update was also scheduled to cover the impact of commissioned services, including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, play therapy, and yoga therapy, as well as feedback from participating settings and families.

Responsive Support Offer - Update

The Schools Forum was scheduled to receive an update on the Responsive Support Offer (RSO), a pilot programme designed to provide short-term, intensive, and multi-agency intervention for children and young people presenting with significant complexity in mainstream settings. The pilot, which commenced in February 2026, had supported seven children across seven primary schools. The report was expected to detail the intervention model, which includes functional behavioural assessment, weekly coaching support for school staff and parents, and a gradual reduction of support. The pilot was reported to have demonstrated positive impact in increasing attendance, preventing specialist placements, empowering school staff, and reducing the risk of permanent exclusions. The report was scheduled to request £50,000 to continue the pilot in the 2026/27 academic year.

Forward Plan

The Schools Forum was scheduled to note items to be brought to the December meeting, including an update on the Enhanced Transition Project, inclusion projects supporting the SEND Reform, and an update on the National Funding Formula once information from the Department for Education (DfE) had been received.