DfE Update local authorities: 11 February 2026
Published 11 February 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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1. Action: High needs place change process request outcomes for 2026 to 2027 academic year
We have published the high needs place change request outcomes: 2026 to 2027, which will inform the place numbers we will fund for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.
You should review the published outcomes as soon as possible to ensure they reflect those expected. If a provider is not listed, this means we were not notified of a change for them and the published 2025 to 2026 place numbers will be used as the basis for the 2026 to 2027 academic year allocation.
Your updated April high needs dedicated schools grant (DSG) deductions will include the published outcomes on the pages below.
If a change is agreed through the enquiry window process, this will be reflected in your July DSG update. Further information is available in section 6.7: high needs place funding deductions of the DSG: technical note 2026 to 2027.
You have until Friday 27 February 2026 to contact us to query the 2026 to 2027 outcomes. We are unlikely to action any changes requested after this date.
The outcomes data and information about the enquiry window can be found in the ‘High needs place change process: 2026 to 2027 academic year’ document on the high needs funding arrangements webpage.
2. Information: Advanced learner loans (ALL) performance management point for 2026 to 2027
Ahead of the ALL funding and performance rules being published in late Spring 2026 we wanted to share that from funding year 2026 to 2027 we will introduce a single performance management point in January 2027.
At this review, growth and reductions will be calculated using a formula based on provider performance rather than through bidding or business case submissions.
3. Information: Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) Regional In-person training sessions
We are pleased to announce the launch of Regional In-person training for school business professionals (SBPs).
From February 2026, sessions are aimed at SBPs in local authority-maintained schools, academies and trusts and will be available for SBPs across the 9 DfE regions.
These sessions are DfE funded and are free to attend.
Sessions are designed to provide practical, professional development covering a range of topics including:
- integrated curriculum and financial planning (ICFP)
- financial planning and budgeting assumptions (separate sessions for maintained schools and academies)
- procurement
- strategic planning and operational leadership
- HR and flexible working
- professional development
- leadership and leading change
Places are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis.
For more information including how to book a session, please visit: ISBL Regional In-person training sessions.
4. Information: New education estates strategy: a decade of national renewal
An email from Minister MacAlister was sent today, Wednesday 11 February, sharing that we have published our Education estates strategy . This sets out a clear long-term vision for the education estate that supports opportunity for all, from early years to post-16, with an estate that is safe, suitable, sustainable and sufficiently sized.
It is backed by a 10 year plan of national renewal for schools and colleges in England. The strategy is focused around three strategic pillars: manage the estate, improve and renew the estate, and build and rebuild the estate.
At the core is a shift to more proactive management, long-term strategic maintenance and more renewal of the existing estate. This is alongside building and rebuilding where renewal is not possible, and in the local areas where it is needed, and ensuring there are high-quality places from early years to post-16.
5. Information: Ambition to expand inclusion bases
Many schools already provide exceptional support for pupils with complex needs, including through special educational needs (SEN) units, resourced provision and pupil support units. However, the range of provision and inconsistent terminology can be difficult for families to navigate. We will be replacing these terms with the single term “inclusion bases”, covering both local authority and school or trust‑led provision.
To help parents and schools understand what support is available and what good practice looks like, best‑practice guidance for inclusion bases will be published later in the year, and we will continue to roll out national peer networks to support high‑quality provision.
We want to build on the many excellent examples of local authorities, schools and trusts creating bespoke provision that combines the best of mainstream and specialist education. In time, our ambition is for every secondary school in England to have an inclusion base.
Where new places are needed, these can be supported through our £3.7bn high‑needs capital investment, which can also fund adaptations to improve inclusivity and accessibility in mainstream settings.
6. Your Feedback: National Education Nature Park, request for feedback
The National Education Nature Park, which is funded by us, are working with Manchester Metropolitan University to gather feedback to inform the future programme.
Educators and staff are invited to complete a short online survey about their Nature Park experience and the support needed to deliver activities.
The survey closes on Monday 2 March 2026.
7. Webinar: DfE Energy for schools webinar
Monday 2 March 2026 at 10am to 10.30am. Register online.
8. Webinar: Accounting officer role: what trust and college leaders need to know
Thursday 5 March at 3pm to 4pm. Register online.
9. Webinar: DfE Plan technology and digital standards webinar
Monday 9 March at 2pm to 2.45pm. Register online.
10. Webinar: Risk protection arrangement members only – The Regulatory Mock Trial
Tuesday 10 March 2025 at 9am to midday. Register online.
11. Webinar: DfE Banking for schools webinar
Thursday 12 March 2026 at 2pm to 2.30pm. Register online.
12. Webinar: March power hour: An overview of the Maximising Value for Pupils Programme
This national hour-long event on Thursday 19 March 2026 will cover what the Maximising Value for Pupils programme offer is and how schools can use the services within it to make the most of their funding.