The Lincolnshire Schools' Forum met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2026/27 academic year, including updates on the national funding formula, early years funding, and reforms to SEND provision. Key decisions included the approval of the council's approach to school growth and falling roll arrangements, and the noting of updated funding rates for early years providers.

National Funding Formula Update - Schools Block 2026/27

Elizabeth Bowes, Strategic Finance Manager, presented an update on the schools block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2026/27. The council has continued to adopt the government's National Funding Formula (NFF), but faced an affordability gap of £3.315 million. To address this, the council reduced the Schools Growth/Falling Roll funding budget and applied a downward adjustment of 1.4385% to Age Weighted Pupil Unit (AWPU) values across primary and secondary sectors. A 0.5% transfer from the schools block to the high-needs block was also approved to support high-needs initiatives. Despite these adjustments, Lincolnshire is considered to be mirroring the national funding formula, as local factor values remain within the Department for Education's (DfE) +/- 2.5% tolerance. The forum noted the report, with Councillor Tristan Revell commending the detailed figures and implementation of the formula.

Schools Growth and Falling Roll Arrangements

Mark Popplewell, Strategic Finance Lead for Children's Services, presented the report on schools growth and falling roll arrangements for 2026/27. The council's approach to funding school reorganisations and supporting growth in pre-16 pupil numbers remains unchanged from previous years. This policy, in place since 2018, aims to ensure schools receive funding to cover all reasonable additional costs associated with planned reorganisations. The report detailed funding commitments for several primary and secondary school reorganisations, as well as the creation of SEND and Alternative Provision hubs. The forum agreed to the continuation of the council's approach for these arrangements.

Early Years National Funding Formula

Geraldine O'Neill, Sustainability and Development Manager, provided an update on Lincolnshire's early years funding rates for 2026/27. The hourly rates for childcare providers have been increased, with the three and four-year-old entitlement rising by 32 pence to £5.33 per hour. This uplift is supported by government funding and the release of protection funding. The report detailed increased rates for two-year-olds and under-twos, as well as maintained nursery schools and early years pupil premium. The forum was also informed about the upcoming Inclusive Early Years Fund and the government's national funding formula consultation. The forum noted the report, with discussions focusing on financial modelling and the clarity of funding for parents.

Update on Schools White Paper, SEND Reforms and High Needs Funding

Martin Smith, Assistant Director for Children's Education, provided an update on the DfE's Schools White Paper and SEND Reform Green Paper. These reforms aim to create a more inclusive education system with a stronger focus on mainstream provision and financial sustainability. Key proposals include a statutory universal offer in every school, individual support plans (ISPs), and a three-tier model of support. The report highlighted new national investment, including £4.6 million for Lincolnshire through the Inclusive Mainstream Fund, and the High Needs Sustainability Grant, which could cover 90% of Lincolnshire's historic high needs deficits, subject to the submission of a reform plan. The forum engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the allocation of the Inclusive Mainstream Fund and the implications of the SEND reforms for schools and parents.

Special Schools Funding

Mark Popplewell presented an update on the review of the special schools funding formula for 2026/27. The review aims to simplify funding arrangements, update funding levels to reflect rising costs, and better support pupils with higher complex needs. Proposals include establishing three pupil band need categories: core school delivery, all-complex need, and enhanced. Infrastructure costs will be based on average school sizes, with considerations for split sites and smaller schools. The forum was informed that a consultation exercise with special schools will commence shortly, providing detailed financial impacts and transition arrangements. The forum noted the update.

Academies and Trust Update

Lizzie Bowes provided an update on the number of academies, pupils in academies, and academy trusts in Lincolnshire. As of 1 April 2026, there were 201 academies in Lincolnshire, educating 74.8% of pupils. No further schools had converted to academy status since the last meeting, and no conversions were projected in the next six months. The report also noted the DfE's abolition of Advisory Boards and their replacement with Regional Groups. The forum noted the report.

Lincolnshire Schools' Forum Work Programme

The forum reviewed its work programme for upcoming meetings. Mark Popplewell confirmed that an update on high needs initiatives would be presented in the July meeting. The forum noted the work programme.

Future Meeting Dates

The dates for future Lincolnshire Schools' Forum meetings for the remainder of 2026 and draft dates for 2027 were confirmed.