The current state of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) funding in the UK is under intense scrutiny, with calls for urgent reform and increased financial support.

This episode delves into a recent parliamentary discussion highlighting the challenges faced by local authorities and the experiences of families and schools. The Labour government acknowledges inheriting a "lose, lose, lose" SEND situation and has invested £1 billion into services and £740 million to create additional specialist places. However, significant financial pressures persist, with London alone facing a potential deficit of £502 million next year.

Concerns are raised about the historical funding allocation policy, which disadvantages some boroughs. The government recognises the strain on local authorities and promises to set out plans for SEND system reform this year, including how to manage deficits.

There's a focus on ensuring Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are issued quickly and addressing the deep crisis in both funding and delivery that is letting down too many children. The need for full engagement with parents, professionals, and young people with SEND on any reform plans is emphasised . Issues surrounding the cost of private special schools and potential profiteering are also being considered. The ambition is for a more inclusive mainstream school system supported by specialists .

Key Takeaways:

• The UK's SEND system is facing a significant funding crisis, with rising deficits in areas like London
• The government acknowledges the need for urgent reform of the SEND system and plans to announce details this year
• Historical funding models are seen as unfair, disadvantaging certain local authorities
• There is a focus on improving the timeliness of issuing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
• The government aims for a more inclusive mainstream education system while also addressing the role and cost of special schools
• Engagement with parents, professionals, and young people with SEND will be crucial in shaping future reforms

Get in touch

Support the show

Shape our next episode! Get in touch with an issue important to you - Producer Tom will grab another coffee and start the research!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on X, Bluesky Facebook and Instagram @BenchReportUK

Support us for bonus episodes and more.

No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard https://hansard.parliament.uk/

Parliamentary Committee Reports https://committees.parliament.uk/

The Commons Library https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/

Parliamentary Bills https://bills.parliament.uk/

Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.
https://www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright-parliament

All episodes at www.thebenchreport.co.uk

...