What is the school forum

The school forum consults on:

  • changes to the local funding formula (the local authority makes the final decision)
  • proposed changes to the operation of the minimum funding guarantee
  • changes to or new contracts affecting schools 
  • arrangements for pupils with special educational needs, in pupil referral units, and in early years provision

It is made up of representatives from:

  • schools and academies 
  • non-school organisations, such as nurseries and 16-19 education providers

How decisions are made 

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

The forum decides on:

  • how much funding may be retained by the local authority within the dedicated school's grant (for example, providing an admissions service, or providing additional funding for growing schools)
  • any proposed carry forward of deficits on central spending from one year to the next
  • proposals to de-delegate funding from maintained primary and secondary schools (for example, for staff supply cover, insurance, behaviour support)
  • changes to the scheme of financial management

Find information for local authorities, school leaders, and governing bodies about their school forum obligations and duties.

Future forum meetings

Check the proposed dates for future school forum meetings.

Access for members

Members meet at Cheam High School at 6.30pm. You should check individual agendas for confirmed venue locations and timings.

Meeting papers

June 2023

The following list includes the meeting notes for June:

October 2023

The following list includes the meeting notes for October:

December 2023

October 2024

The following list includes the meeting notes for October:

Contact us

Email

For information on school forum meetings: lbssupportserviceshub@sutton.gov.uk

For access to previous meeting notes: londongovernanceltd@gmail.com