The Redbridge Schools Forum meeting scheduled for 22 January 2026 was set to discuss the financial arrangements for schools in the upcoming academic year, including the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocations for 2026-2027 and the setting of school budgets. The forum was also scheduled to review in-year monitoring reports for the current financial year and consider various funding streams and service de-delegation proposals.

DSG Allocations 2026-2027 and School Budget Setting

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocations for the 2026-2027 academic year. The report outlined the proposed Schools Block funding arrangements, which are based on the National Funding Formula (NFF). The overall increase in the Schools Block funding for 2026-2027 is projected to be 3.1% compared to the previous year. The forum was asked to note the DSG allocations and recommended school formula funding rates, as well as to agree on budgets for the Growth and Falling Rolls Fund. The report also indicated that the final DSG allocation and schools funding formula would be presented to the Cabinet and Council for approval in February and March 2026, respectively. The NFF factors for 2026-27 were detailed, including compulsory factors such as basic entitlement, free school meals eligibility (FSM), and pupil mobility, alongside optional factors like private finance initiative (PFI) contracts. The report also highlighted that to ensure affordability within the Schools Block funding, a reduction of 1.062% in the NFF basic entitlement per pupil rates was proposed.

In-Year DSG Monitoring 2025-2026

The forum was provided with an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) financial position as of Quarter 3 (December 2025) for the 2025-2026 financial year. The report indicated a projected overall overspend of £11.089 million on a total budget of £330.972 million. This overspend is primarily driven by the High Needs Block, which is forecasting an overspend of £11.517 million due to an increase in the number of Education, Health Care Plans (EHCPs) and rising placement costs. The Schools Block is forecasting a minimal overspend of £0.025 million, while the Central Schools Service Block and Early Years Block are expected to be balanced. The report also noted that the DSG reserve brought forward from the previous financial year was a surplus of £5.490 million, but the projected in-year deficit would result in a deficit of £5.559 million by the end of 2025-2026. The risks associated with the cessation of the DSG Statutory Override in March 2028 were also highlighted, with potential implications for the Local Authority's General Fund.

School Budget Monitoring 2025-2026 - Updated Quarter 2 Figures

This report presented the initial findings from the Quarter 2 Budget Monitoring Returns submitted by maintained schools. As of January 2026, returns had been received from 54 out of 59 maintained schools. The analysis indicated a forecast reduction in revenue reserves across maintained schools of £5.702 million, or 28%. A significant variation in reserve levels was noted, with six schools forecasting a deficit at the end of the financial year, totalling £1.954 million. The report also highlighted that 33% of schools were forecasting to use a greater value of reserves in 2025-26 than they expect to have remaining at the end of March 2026, which could be an indicator of financial difficulty.

De-delegation 2026-2027

The forum was asked to consider proposals for de-delegated services for the 2026-27 academic year. These services, which are for maintained mainstream primary and secondary schools only, include support for Schools Causing Concern, Free School Meals eligibility, Staff Costs Supply Cover, Schools Contingency Fund, and School Improvement. A 2.60% per pupil increase was proposed for these services, in line with the Schools Block inflationary increase. The report detailed the proposed per pupil rates for both primary and secondary phases and provided a summary table of the proposed de-delegated budget for 2026-27, based on the October 2025 pupil numbers. Appendix A provided additional information on Trade Union Facilities, Schools Causing Concern, School Improvement, and Free School Meals eligibility.

Services for Schools (Education Functions) 2026-2027

This report sought approval from Schools Forum for the central retention of the former retained duties element of the Education Services Grant (ESG), which was mainstreamed into the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) from April 2017. It was proposed to increase the per pupil contribution for LA Statutory Services for maintained, mainstream schools to £28.17 for 2026-27, an increase of £0.71 from the previous year. A similar per pupil contribution was proposed for maintained special schools and PRUs. The report outlined the historical context of the ESG and the rationale for the proposed top-slice, which would fund various statutory services.

Central Schools Services Block and Historical Commitments 2026-2027

The forum was asked to approve line-by-line the figures for ongoing commitments and historical commitments within the Central Schools Services Block (CSSB) for 2026-27. The CSSB is funded by the DSG and covers centrally retained budgets for local authority responsibilities and historical commitments. The report detailed the proposed allocations for ongoing duties, including school admissions, pupil place planning, and education welfare, noting an increase in funding for centrally employed teachers. The funding for historical commitments, which includes contributions to combined budgets and premature retirement costs, is projected to decrease by 20%.

Growth and Falling Rolls Fund 2026-2027

This report presented the proposed allocations for the Growth and Falling Rolls Fund for the 2026-27 financial year. The forum was asked to agree the DfE recommended allocation of £0.129m for the Growth Fund and £0.461m for the Falling Rolls Fund. The report detailed the criteria for schools to be supported by the Falling Rolls fund, which includes having fewer than 80% of planned admission numbers (PAN) and demonstrating local planning data indicating future need. The calculation methodology for both growth and falling rolls funding was also outlined.

Early Years Single Funding Formula Funding Arrangements 2026-2027

The forum was advised on the early years arrangements for 2026/27 and provided with an update on the intention to distribute the Early Years (EY) block underspend/reserves to providers. The report recommended agreeing an amended pass-through rate of 97% for 3-4 year old children, an increase from 96% in 2025/26, with no other changes to the Early Years Single Funding Formula (EYSFF). Proposed centrally retained funding of 3% for three- and four-year-old entitlements, two-year-old entitlements, and children under 2 years of eligible working parents was also put forward for agreement. The report also sought comment on the local allocation of the adjusted rate for three- and four-year-old entitlements and approval for the distribution of the 2024/25 Early Years Block surplus.

High Needs Block Update

This report updated the Schools Forum on the activities of the High Needs Funding Sub-group and reviewed the High Needs Block allocations for 2026-27. It was noted that the Department for Education (DfE) is temporarily suspending the high needs national funding formula (NFF) for 2026-27, with allocations based on 2025-26 figures with adjustments. The report highlighted that the suspension means the DSG high needs block allocations will not include updates to basic entitlement pupil numbers in special schools or special free school adjustments, but will retain the import/export adjustment. Key messages included the extension of the Statutory Override until 31 March 2028 and the eventual transfer of SEND spending responsibility to central government from 2028-29.

Further Information Report

This report provided updates on actions assigned to Local Authority officers following previous Schools Forum meetings. It included information on the process for school condition allocation funding and submission dates, explanations for potential delays or differing amounts in post-16 funding payments to schools, and details on EHCP data and the role of the High Needs Sub-group. The report also provided an update on the reconciliation of school place appeals costs and information regarding the reason for a reduction in the DSG despite an increase in EHCPs. Additionally, it confirmed that the SEN Action Plan updates would be shared and that the Director of Finance would attend the next forum to provide an update on the LA's financial position. Updates on EYFS rates and allocations, and the scheme for financing schools were also noted as being included in future agenda items.

Growth and Falling Rolls Funding - Next Steps regarding Support to Schools

This item was scheduled to provide an update on next steps regarding support to schools for Growth and Falling Rolls Funding.

Work Plan and time and date of next meeting

The forum was scheduled to review its work plan and confirm the dates of future meetings. Provisional dates for upcoming meetings in March and July 2026 were noted.

Any Other Business

Under this item, any other urgent matters not covered elsewhere on the agenda could be raised. It was noted that a permanent appointment had been made for Children's Services and a director for Education was in the process of being appointed.