The Schools Forum of Staffordshire Council met to discuss the schools budget for 2026-27, high needs funding, and other financial issues affecting schools in the area. The forum was also scheduled to review reports on various educational programmes and receive updates on schools with financial concerns.

Schools Budget 2026-27

The Schools Forum was scheduled to discuss the schools budget for 2026-27. The Schools Budget 2026-27 report outlined the financial framework for education in Staffordshire, covering funding for mainstream schools, special educational needs, and early years provision.

The report included several appendices:

• Appendix 1 Final provided a detailed breakdown of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The DSG is the primary source of funding for schools and is allocated by the government.
• Appendix 2 Final outlined the Schools Block funding formula, which determines how funding is distributed to individual schools based on factors such as pupil numbers and needs.
• Appendix 3 Final detailed the Central School Services Block (CSSB), which covers funding for services provided by the local authority, such as school improvement and admissions.

High Needs Budget

The Schools Forum was scheduled to discuss the High Needs Budget (HNB). The High Needs Budget Report provided an overview of the financial pressures and challenges in providing for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

A supplement to the report, Supplement - High Needs Budget Report - Section 19 Alternative Education, focused on alternative education provisions under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996¹. The HNB Schools Forum Report November 2025 provided further analysis of the high needs budget, including:

• A review of current spending and demand for services
• Proposals for managing the budget and ensuring resources are targeted effectively
• Consideration of the impact of funding changes on schools and students

Notices of Concern and Licensed Deficits

The Schools Forum was scheduled to receive an update on schools with financial difficulties. The Notices of Concern and Licensed Deficits report detailed schools that had been issued with a notice of concern due to financial issues, or were operating with a licensed deficit. The report provided an overview of the support and intervention being provided to these schools to address their financial challenges.

Review of Educational Programmes

The Schools Forum was scheduled to review reports on several educational programmes:

• PBS Schools Forum Report reviewed the performance and impact of the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) programme in schools.
• MEAS Schools Forum Report reviewed the Multi-Element Approach to Safety (MEAS) programme, which aims to improve safety and wellbeing in schools.
• Wraparound Report School Forum Autumn 2025 discussed the provision of wraparound care, such as breakfast and after-school clubs.

TU Facilities Time

The Schools Forum was scheduled to discuss the TU Facilities Time Schools Forum Report Nov 2025, which covered the amount of time given to trade union representatives to carry out their duties.