Schools forum

The schools forum is made up of representatives from schools and academies. It also has some representation from non-school organisations. For example nurseries and 14-19 education providers.

The forum acts as a consultative body on some issues and a decision-making body on others.

Consultations

The forum provides a consultative role for:

• Changes to the local funding formula. The local authority makes the final decision. However they may delegate the decision-making power to the schools forum.
• Proposed changes to the operation of the minimum funding guarantee.
• New or changes to existing contracts affecting schools (e.g. school meals).
• Arrangements for pupils with SEN, in pupil referral units, and in early years provision.

Decisions

The forum is responsible for decisions on:

• How much funding may be centrally retained within the Dedicated Schools Grant. For example, for the admissions service.
• The proposed amount of deficits from central spend that are carried forward from one year to the next.
• Proposals to de-delegate (recover) funding from maintained primary and secondary schools. For example, for staff supply cover.
• Changes to the scheme of financial management.

Meeting dates 2024 - 2025

Meetings are from 1pm to 3pm on the following dates:

• 10th September 2024
• 10th December 2024
• 14th January 2025
• 11th March 2025
• 10th June 2025
• 9th September 2025
• 11th November 2025
• 13th January 2026
• 10th March 2026
• 9th June 2026

Key reference documents

• Scheme for financing schools 2020
• Schools Forum regulations 2012
• EFA guide for schools and academies
• Schools Forum operational and good practice guide

Schools forum meeting agendas, minutes and key documents