The Schools Forum of Staffordshire Council was scheduled to discuss the financial health of schools, including updates on school budgets and the impact of national funding formulas. The forum was also set to review the latest information regarding the number of children with special educational needs and disabilities.

School Budgets and Funding

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the current financial position of schools within Staffordshire. This included an update on school budgets, with a report detailing the latest financial information for the academic year. The forum was also scheduled to consider the implications of the national funding formula for schools in Staffordshire, examining how these national allocations translate to local funding levels. This discussion was informed by a report titled School Forum - Schools Budgets Update 22-01-26 [7].

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

The forum was also scheduled to receive an update on the number of children identified with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This information is crucial for understanding the demand for specialist support and resources within Staffordshire schools. The report pack included a document titled NOCs and LDs January 2026 [6], which likely contains data related to these needs.

High Needs Block Funding

Another key item on the agenda was a report concerning the High Needs Block (HNB) funding. This funding stream is specifically allocated to support pupils with the most complex needs, including those with SEND. The HNB Schools Forum Report January 2026 [8] was intended to provide an overview of this funding and its allocation within Staffordshire.

Work Programme

The Schools Forum was also scheduled to review its current work programme. This would have provided an overview of the ongoing and planned activities of the forum, ensuring that its priorities align with the needs of Staffordshire schools. The CURRENT work programme 001 [CURRENT work programme 001] document was available for this discussion.

Previous Meeting Minutes

The minutes from the previous Schools Forum meeting, held on 13 November 2025, were also scheduled for review. This would have allowed the forum to ensure continuity and track progress on previously discussed items. The Schools Forum Minutes - 13.11.2025 [Schools Forum Minutes - 13.11.2025] were provided for this purpose.