Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence received.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as an accurate record.

This report sets out the provisional Schools Block allocation of the Dedicated Schools Grant for 2026/27 following the receipt of updated national funding formula guidance and provisional funding allocations.

Tony Burton (Head of Finance - People) presented the report which outlined the provisional Schools Block allocation of the Dedicated Schools Grant for 2026/27 following the receipt of updated national funding formula guidance and provisional funding allocations.

It was noted that the provisional Schools Block allocation of the Dedicated Schools Grant for 2026/27 had been received from the Department for Education (DfE) of £128.476m. This was still based on October 2024 census numbers and excluded any additional funding for growth and falling rolls. The Council expected to receive the final 2026/27 allocation by the 19^th December 2025. This would be based on October 2025 census numbers and should include an additional funding amount for growth and falling rolls.

The detailed early years funding model would be finalised and published in early January 2026, following the release of the 2026/27 allocations and Early Years Operational Guidance received this week.

To support schools in understanding the changes, officers had scheduled workshops during the week commencing 12 January 2026. These sessions would provide a walkthrough of the funding details and explain the early years funding model to relevant primary schools. Additional sessions will be provided for Early Years Private and Voluntary Nurseries and Child Minders in week commencing 12^th January to explain the Early Years funding changes in 2026/27 financial year.

The Chair asked whether a Schools Forum meeting was required before 20 January 2026, as submissions would be due the following day. Tony Burton advised that it would not be possible to schedule a meeting earlier, given the limited information currently available and the upcoming Christmas break. He confirmed that workshops would be arranged for both academy mainstream schools and maintained schools, with booking links shared via the School Zone to ensure maximum participation.

The Chair noted that Daniel Cundy, Senior Principal at AP Academies, had resigned and that his final meeting would take place on 20 January 2026.

The Chair also confirmed Tony Burton’s updated title, following the recent finance restructure, as Head of Finance – People.

RESOLVED:

The Schools Forum noted the report.