Ealing Scheme for Financing Schools
Ealing Council is addressing a significant high needs deficit within its school financing scheme.
The Ealing Schools Forum flagged a £3.8 million budget overspend for the 2024-25 financial year, primarily due to a significant increase in the high needs deficit. In July 2025, the Forum agreed to retain the 2024-25 early years block Dedicated Schools Grant reserves to help manage this deficit.
The high needs deficit rose by £5.528 million, reaching a total of £7.755 million, even after a transfer from the schools block. The Dedicated Schools Grant overspent by £3.787 million in 2024-25 before the use of reserves, according to a report to the Forum.
Key facts
- Ealing Schools Forum agreed on 02 July 2025 to retain 2024-25 early years block DSG reserves. Source
- The Ealing Schools Forum flagged a £3.8 million budget overspend for 2024-25. Source
- The high needs deficit rose by £5.528 million to £7.755 million. Source
- The Dedicated Schools Grant overspent by £3.787 million in 2024-25. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.