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Wandsworth Schools Forum - Monday, 16 March 2026 - 4.30 p.m.
March 16, 2026 Wandsworth Schools Forum View on council websiteSummary
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The Wandsworth Schools Forum is scheduled to consider proposals for the High Needs Budget for the next financial year, alongside updates on therapies and special educational needs support. The meeting will also review several specific projects and programmes aimed at enhancing educational provision for pupils.
High Needs Budget for Financial Year 2026-27
A significant item on the agenda is the proposed High Needs Budget for the financial year 2026-27. This budget is crucial for funding services and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The report pack indicates that attendees will be asked to note and agree the High Needs Budget for FY 2026-27
. Supporting documents include details on mainstream top-up rates1 for the upcoming year, as well as information on place changes2 that may affect the allocation of resources. The High Needs Block is a key part of the dedicated schools grant3 and is used to fund provision for pupils with the most complex needs.
Therapies Update
The forum is scheduled to receive a strategic update on the council's commissioned Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy services. These services are vital for supporting children with a range of developmental and learning needs. The update is expected to provide information on the current provision and any future plans for these essential therapeutic interventions.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Fund
An updated report is set to be presented regarding the impact of the investment allocated to Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support projects. This item will likely detail the outcomes and effectiveness of initiatives funded through the SEN Support Fund, including an evaluation of the ELSA 2025 Project4 for the financial year 2026-27.
Enhanced Reception Transition Project (ERTP)
A report will be presented on the proposed Enhanced Reception Transition Project (ERTP). This initiative appears to be designed to provide additional support for children as they begin their primary school education, aiming to ensure a smoother and more effective transition into the reception year.
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) Ambassadors Programme
The meeting is also scheduled to consider a report on the Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) Ambassadors Programme. This programme likely aims to provide support and raise awareness for pupils with ADHD, potentially through peer mentoring or dedicated support roles within schools.
Schools Forum Membership
A report concerning the Schools Forum membership model for the period 2026-2030 is scheduled for presentation. Attendees will be asked to consider this model for approval, which will shape the composition and representation within the forum for the coming years.
Forward Plan and Future Meetings
The agenda also includes a review of the Forward Plan, outlining items to be discussed at future Schools Forum meetings in May and June. Topics slated for May include Emotional Based School Non-Attendance and the Outreach Dedicated Schools Grant Outturn for FY 2025-26. For June, planned discussions include the Responsive Support Officer and Schools Balances. Additionally, dates for subsequent Schools Forum meetings throughout 2026 are to be noted.
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Mainstream top-up rates refer to additional funding provided to mainstream schools for pupils with identified special educational needs, beyond the standard per-pupil funding. ↩
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Place changes in this context likely refer to alterations in the number of places available for specific types of provision, such as special school places or alternative provision, which can impact budget allocations. ↩
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The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) is a ring-fenced grant from the government to local authorities in England to fund schools. It is divided into three blocks: schools, high needs, and early years. ↩
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ELSA stands for Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. These are teaching assistants trained to support the emotional development of children in primary schools. ↩
Attendees
Topics
No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.
Meeting Documents
Additional Documents