The Schools Forum meeting scheduled for Thursday, 22 January 2026, was set to discuss the financial outlook for schools, including the 2025/26 finance update and the proposed budget for 2026/27. A significant portion of the agenda was dedicated to the SEND Futures Plan, with an update on its implementation and financial monitoring.

SEND Futures Plan Update

The Schools Forum was scheduled to receive an update on the implementation of Richmond's SEND Futures Plan, a strategic initiative aimed at improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 0-25. The plan encompasses education, health, and social care, with a focus on financial sustainability. The report indicated progress in areas such as participation and co-production with parents and young people, preparing for independence, and high-quality commissioning of services. However, concerns were noted regarding increasing wait times for autism assessments and support, and ongoing issues with decision-making for Continuing Healthcare. The financial monitoring report highlighted a projected deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2025/26 financial year, largely driven by pressures within the High Needs Block.

2025/26 Finance Update

An update on the financial position for the 2025/26 financial year was presented, detailing the allocation and projected expenditure of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The report indicated a projected shortfall of £5.332m, with a cumulative deficit forecast at £5.557m by the end of March 2026. The majority of this overspend was attributed to the High Needs Block. The cessation of the Safety Valve Funding Agreement meant the local authority would no longer contribute from the general fund to the Schools Fund. Discussions were also scheduled regarding the impact of falling school rolls and the support being provided to schools in deficit.

2026/27 Budget

The meeting was to consider the proposed budget for the 2026/27 financial year, based on the provisional DSG allocation published by the Department for Education. This included updates on funding rates for the schools block local formula and the submission of the draft Authority Proforma Tool (APT). The forum was asked to recommend proposals for the Early Years local funding formula and approve early years central services budgets. Key recommendations included agreeing the Union Duty Criteria and the eligibility criteria for the Falling Rolls Fund. The provisional DSG allocation for 2026/27 was £247.307m, an increase from the previous year, with significant allocations to the Schools Block and Early Years Block. However, the High Needs Block was projected to remain under pressure, with a significant in-year budget gap anticipated.

The report also detailed proposed hourly rates for early years providers, with increases for all age groups, and a budget for social deprivation funding. Feedback from early years providers on these proposals was included, with many expressing concerns about the adequacy of the proposed rates, particularly for 3 and 4-year-olds, and the overall financial sustainability of their settings.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes from the Schools Forum meeting held on 20 November 2025 were presented for approval. These minutes covered discussions on the High Needs Block Terms of Reference, the 2025/26 finance update, and the 2026/27 budget, including recommendations on the Minimum Funding Guarantee rate, the Growth Fund, and the Falling Rolls Fund.