Schools Forum Update - 17 March 2026

This update provides a summary of key discussions and decisions taken by Forum at their most recent meeting. If you want to find more detail, the minutes and papers from all meetings are in the public domain and can be found on the Norfolk Schools Forum website, along with contact details for Forum representatives.

The Norfolk Schools Forum met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 at County Hall. The Forum considered a wide range of strategic, financial and SEND-related matters affecting schools across Norfolk. This update summarises the key discussions, views expressed by members, and formal outcomes from the meeting.

Strategic developments and SEND reform

The Forum received a strategic update on national education policy, with a particular focus on the Government's SEND Reform Programme and the recently issued Department for Education (DfE) commission for local SEND Reform Plans. Officers explained that the commission sets out clear expectations and indicative timescales for local areas, including a requirement for plans to be submitted to the DfE by 19 June 2026.

Members noted that the timetable for producing the SEND Reform Plan is particularly challenging, given the late publication of guidance and the impact of the Easter period on co-production and engagement activity. Officers confirmed that draft plans are expected to be shared with DfE advisers during May 2026, alongside ongoing engagement with schools, partners and families. At the time of the meeting, Norfolk's funding allocation had not yet been confirmed, and further clarity was still awaited on the availability of capital funding to support specialist places and inclusion bases.

The Forum also discussed intelligence from national briefings, including likely forthcoming guidance on the Inclusive Mainstream Fund. Members emphasised the importance of strong collaboration across the local system to meet both the expectations of the reform programme and the needs of children and young people with SEND. The Forum noted the update.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) - financial position

The Forum considered the latest DSG monitoring position for 2025-26, alongside commentary on emerging financial risks and recent announcements from Government. Officers outlined the Government's commitment to fund up to 90% of existing DSG deficits up to the end of 2025-26, subject to DfE approval of local SEND Reform Plans.

Members were reminded that Norfolk continues to experience significant pressure within the DSG, particularly within the High Needs Block, with further deficits forecast in future years. Officers highlighted the associated cashflow and interest cost implications and reiterated that approval of Norfolk's SEND Reform Plan will be critical to accessing DSG deficit funding support.
The report also highlighted ongoing cost drivers, including expenditure on independent placements, pressures arising from Element 3 funding, and transitional arrangements for children who are not on a school roll. Forum members expressed concern about uncertainty in national policy and funding arrangements, the long-term sustainability of the DSG, and the potential impact on children, families and schools. Officers confirmed that further information and updated forecasts would be shared with members following the meeting. The Forum noted the report.

Specialist Resource Bases (SRBs) and inclusion

The Forum discussed progress in the delivery of Specialist Resource Bases and the challenges being experienced across a number of schemes. Officers explained that delays have arisen from a combination of planning, consultation and construction-related risks, which in turn have implications for capacity, financial assumptions and delivery timelines.

Members considered the assumptions being made about occupancy levels within SRBs and how these feed into financial planning for future years. Particular concern was raised about the impact of delayed SRB openings in the secondary phase, where pressure on provision remains acute. Officers outlined how learning from individual SRB projects is being captured through the Local First Inclusion Programme, with the aim of strengthening future delivery and reducing risk. The Forum noted the update.

Element 3 funding - academies (summer term)

The Forum considered a detailed report on Element 3 funding for academies, as part of the next phase of Norfolk's Element 3 model rollout. Officers explained that the paper focused on how Element 3 funding arrangements could operate over the summer term and the implications of different implementation options, particularly where pupils move between schools or where responsibility for provision changes during the year.

To support discussion, officers shared practical examples illustrating how mid-year changes could affect schools. These included cases where academies might receive Element 3 funding for a pupil transferring late in the summer term, while the releasing school had already committed staffing or specialist support costs. Other examples highlighted the risk of duplicate or mismatched funding where pupils attend multiple settings, or where provision is commissioned for a short period and cannot be stood down quickly.

Discussion centred on the timing of changes to Notional SEN contributions and the importance of aligning funding arrangements between maintained schools and academies wherever possible. Members were particularly concerned about the financial and operational risks of implementing changes part-way through the financial year. Examples were given of schools needing to reforecast budgets mid-year, adjust support staffing, or manage uncertainty for families where funding responsibility appeared to change without corresponding changes to provision. Members also noted the potential for additional pressure on the Schools Block if funding movements were not tightly controlled.

The Forum explored a range of options, including whether changes should apply only to academies or be implemented consistently across all schools, and whether a September start date would provide greater stability for budgets and planning. Members reflected that an in-year approach could increase administrative complexity and reduce transparency, whereas a single implementation point would be easier for schools to understand and manage.

Following detailed discussion, members expressed a clear preference for implementing any changes from September for all schools, rather than introducing adjustments during the summer term. This approach was seen as fairer, easier to administer, and more supportive of school-level financial planning, while reducing the risk of unintended financial impacts on individual schools. The Forum noted the report and the views expressed.

Pupil number variations 2026-27

The Forum was updated on final pupil number variations included within the Authority Proforma Tool submission for 2026-27. Officers confirmed that no further changes had been made since the previous update, with the exception of a single technical adjustment relating to guaranteed minimum pupil numbers at Cringleford Prep School. The Forum noted the update.

Regular updates and future work programme

The Forum received a series of routine updates, including information on attendance at recent meetings, representation changes and the appointment of the Roman Catholic Diocese representative. Members also heard brief updates from consultative and partnership groups.

The forward work programme was reviewed, and members were advised that proposed meeting dates for 2026-27 will be brought to the Forum ahead of the June meeting. The Forum noted the updates.

Next meeting

The next meeting of the Norfolk Schools Forum will take place on Friday 26 June 2026 at 9am, at County Hall.

Further information, including published reports and approved minutes, is available via the Schools Forum pages on this website.