Schools Forum
Councils are addressing school funding shortfalls and support for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans.
Enfield Council is proposing to transfer £1.656 million from its Dedicated Schools Grant Schools Block to the High Needs Block for the 2026/27 financial year, pending Schools Forum approval. This aims to support mainstream schools with a higher number of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), as discussed by the Schools Forum in December 2025.
Meanwhile, Richmond schools face a projected £5.025 million budget shortfall for the 2025/26 financial year, primarily due to High Needs underfunding and rising EHCP costs. The Richmond Schools Forum discussed this in November 2025, reviewing the Dedicated Schools Grant budget and considering recommendations for 2026/27.
Schools Forums are bodies of headteachers, governors, and other school representatives that advise local authorities on school funding matters. They review the Dedicated Schools Grant budget and High Needs Block spending, discussing strategies to manage increasing demand for services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Key facts
- Enfield Council proposed transferring £1.656 million to the High Needs Block for 2026/27, pending Schools Forum approval. Source
- Enfield's Schools Forum discussed the proposed £1.656 million transfer in December 2025. Source
- Richmond schools face a projected £5.025 million budget shortfall for the 2025/26 financial year. Source
- The Richmond Schools Forum discussed the £5.025 million shortfall in November 2025. Source
- The shortfall is due to High Needs underfunding and rising EHCP costs. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.