Agenda

To elect a Chair of the Schools Forum until September 2027. 

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Schools Forum until September 2027. 

To receive any apologies for absence.

Councillors are requested to declare any interests on items included in this agenda. Please refer to the workflow on the preceding page for guidance.

Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 22 June 2026, as a correct record.

To provide a update to the Forum on Schools Forum Membership. 

The quarter one budget monitoring for the DSG reported to the council’s Cabinet on 2 September 2026 is a projected high needs funding gap for 2026-27 of £95.7m.

Other DSG budgets for 2026-27 are forecast to be balanced. 

The cumulative deficit at 31 March 2027 is projected to be £275.5m

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, working with NHS Dorset and wider local area partners, submitted its Local SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education in June 2026. The Plan sets out a three-year roadmap to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND, strengthen inclusive mainstream provision, improve family confidence and support the long-term sustainability of the High Needs Block. The Plan is underpinned by co-production with children, young people, parents, carers and practitioners, a local partnership maturity assessment, an Inclusive Place Sufficiency Strategy, an Experts at Hand partnership model and a clear Theory of Change. It responds to increasing demand, including sustained growth in Education, Health and Care Plans, whilst building on BCP's strengths and improving partnership arrangements. A key component of delivery is the introduction of a Targeted Cluster Funding Model, funded through £1.5m per annum from the High Needs Block, to support earlier intervention, inclusion and prevention activity. Schools Forum is asked to consider the proposed approach and provide its views to Cabinet on 30 September 2026.

To consider and note the Forward Plan

The Forum is asked to note the previously agreed dates:

- 16 November 2026

- 11 January 2027

-  21 June 2027

And to agree to its future meeting dates as outlined below:

-  20 September 2027

-  22 November 2027

-  10 January 2028

-  19 June 2028

To consider any other business, which, in the opinion of the Chairman, is of sufficient urgency to warrant consideration.