CYP Now - SEND and AP green paper response: Measures ‘do not go far enough’, council leaders warn

Concerns have been raised that the government’s improvement plan for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision (AP) does not go far enough to meet the major challenges facing these specialist services.

Council leaders say measures will not fill a 'funding blackhole' for services. Picture: Adobe Stock

The government’s improvement plan pledges to offer children with SEND, or in alternative provision, “high quality, early support wherever they live in the country”.

But the Local Government Association’s children and young people board chair Louise Griffiths is concerned the measures “do not go far enough in addressing the fundamental cost and demand issues that result in councils struggling to meet the needs of children with SEND”.

It warns that councils currently face a £1.9bn SEND funding blackhole, rising to £3.6bn by 2025.

Councils share Gov ambition to ensure every child with #SEND gets high-quality support that meets their needs

However, measures announced today don't address cost and demand issues that result in councils struggling to meet the needs of children with SEND https://t.co/lOJlGhrAxX

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