Agenda

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 23 February 2026, as a correct record.

The Schools Forum is a statutory body established by the local authority in accordance with the School Forums (England) Regulations 2012. It advises the authority on matters relating to the funding of schools and must operate in line with statutory guidance issued by the Department for Education (DfE).

The Forum has, in recent years, operated successfully using virtual meeting arrangements in a hybrid environment.

To reflect this established practice and ensure clarity and compliance with governance requirements, it is proposed that the Terms of Reference are updated to formalise meetings as being held remotely. The revised Terms of Reference ensure that arrangements continue to meet statutory expectations, including openness, transparency and public access.

The report considers the end of year position for the DSG budget 2025-26. The outturn is an in-year funding gap of £66.6m. This is £9.1m more than the budget, but an improvement compared with the quarter three forecast.

The budget was set with the expectation that the innovation fund would start to have impact in reducing the demand for education health and care plans (EHCPs) alongside the creation of new SEND places in mainstream schools through capital investment to limit the use of higher cost independent provision. There is delay in both initiatives and the SEND reforms announced by government during the year have further fuelled demand. The result has been greater use than budgeted of high-cost independent school places, alternative provision and bespoke arrangements for children and young people unable to attend any school setting.

The trajectory of the accumulated deficit has therefore continued a significant upward path from £113.3m for March 2025, to almost £180m for March 2026. This deficit is carried forward by the council in a specific negative reserve by a statutory override that suspends the normal accounting practice.

To receive a verbal update on the Local SEND Reform Plan.

This report provides Schools Forum with an overview of the proposed BCP Experts at Hand partnership model, developed to strengthen early, inclusive and needs-led support for children and young people with SEND across schools and settings. The model is rooted in co-production with children, young people, families, practitioners and partners, and is designed to build confidence and capability within mainstream settings through timely access to specialist expertise, coaching, training, consultation and practical support. It aligns with the Graduated Approach to Inclusion and the emerging cluster-based targeted funding model, creating a coherent locality-based system focused on prevention, early intervention, reduced escalation and improved outcomes.

This report provides an update on Exceptional Circumstances Funding arrangements for mainstream schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for 2026/27. It reviews the 2025/26 funding model, sets out the financial and strategic context, and presents revised model options intended to ensure funding is transparent, sustainable and targeted to schools with the highest proportion of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans. Schools Forum is asked to note the revised models, select the preferred option for 2026/27, and support ongoing review to ensure the approach remains fair, affordable and aligned with SEND reform priorities.

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

To consider and note the Forward Plan

The Forum is asked to note the previously agreed dates:

• 21 September 2026
• 16 November 2026
• 11 January 2027
• 21 June 2027