Agenda

Welcome by the Chair and introductions by all Forum Members present.

To receive apologies from any Forum Member who are unable to attend the meeting.

To invite Forum Members to declare any interests they may have on agenda items to be considered at this meeting, to confirm the nature of those interests and whether they intend to leave the meeting for the consideration of the item.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 5^th December 2025.

To consider and report on any matters arising from the previous minutes.

To consider any updates or amendments to the membership of the Schools Forum.

Report from the Principal Finance Officer (CYPS).

Recommendations:

That Schools Forum:

1.      Notes the latest DSG funding for schools for the 2025/26 financial year.

2.      Notes the forecast positions of Rotherham’s maintained schools and the centrally retained DSG budgets for the year.

Report from the Head of Finance (CYPS).

Recommendation:

That Members of Schools Forum note the contents of this report.

Principal Finance Officer (CYPS) to report.

Recommendations:

That Schools Forum:

1.      Notes the Schools Block DSG allocation for 2026/27 and the implemented changes to the local schools funding formula as outlined in paragraphs 7 to 19 of this report;

2.      Notes that the proposed 2026/27 schools funding formula incorporates a funding transfer of 0.5% to the high needs block (as approved by the Forum on 5th December 2025).

3.      For maintained schools reps only –  Approves the funding for maintained primary & secondary schools outlined in paragraph 22 to be de-delegated and retained by the Council to fund schools related expenditure.

Head of Finance (CYPS) to report.

Recommendations:

That Schools Forum:

1.  Notes the provisional DSG funding settlement for the early years block for Rotherham for 2026/27;

2.  Notes the proposed arrangements for allocating the early years funding to providers for 3 & 4 year olds, 2 year olds and under 2’s.

3.  Endorses the proposed early years funding rates to providers for the 2026/27 financial year.

Head of Finance (CYPS) to report.

Recommendations:

That Schools Forum:

1.   Notes the DSG allocation for Central Schools Services Block for 2026-27.

2.   Approves the proposed 2026-27 budget allocation as outlined in the table in paragraph 16.

Transformation Lead (CYPS) to report.

Recommendation:

That Members of Schools Forum receive and note the update.

To consider the attached Forward Plan of agenda items and receive any updates.

To receive any other items of urgent business.

Recommendations:

1.    To consider and amend where necessary the dates/times proposed for future meetings scheduled:-

Friday, 12^th June, 2026

Friday, 18^th September, 2026

Friday, 4^th December, 2026

Friday, 22^nd January, 2027

Friday 19^th March, 2027