Children's minister pledges £37m SEND boost
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
The government has pledged £37m to support the families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) impacted by the coronavirus crisis.
More than 75,000 families of children with SEND are set to benefit from the support over 2020 - 21, the Department for Education said.
Families will be handed grants of between £400 and £500 to pay for vital equipment needed to implement social distancing measures, including computers, specialist equipment and educational toys, children's minister Vicky Ford has announced.
Some £10m of the total has been ring fenced solely to support those unable to send their children to school due to the pandemic, helping parents educate and look after disabled or critically ill children who are staying at home more than usual.
Ford said: “Our first priority remains the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. I know that these unprecedented times may put additional pressure on families, particularly those whose children have the most complex needs, and these parents deserve some extra help to look after and educate them at home.
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“From computers and tablets to household items that many of us take for granted, this new funding will directly benefit tens of thousands of families, making sure parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities get the support they need at this difficult time and beyond.”
Dame Christine Lenehan, director of the Council for Disabled Children, said: “I am delighted that the government has recognised the needs of the most complex children with disabilities at this critical time.
"The Family Fund provides support for some of the poorest families and £37 million will make a real difference to meet the direct challenges they face. Continued support and a refreshed SEND review, as soon as is reasonably practicable, will be needed to keep momentum in this area.”
