DfE announces £280m SEND funding boost

The funding, which the DfE says builds on its investment in the free schools programme, can be used by councils to create new places in schools, academies, colleges and early years settings.

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“The funding will improve existing provision to create modern, fit-for-purpose spaces suited to a wider range of pupil needs. This could be by contributing to the cost of creating a whole new special school, or by improving accessibility, such as installing ramps, handrails or ceiling hoists,” DfE said.

It is also intended to support children in alternative education provision and will be used during the financial year 2021-22, to support the provision of high needs places needed by September 2022. 

Up to an additional £20 million will be used to support High Needs capital projects in a small number of the local authorities facing the highest dedicated schools grant deficits, DfE added.

Minister for the school system Baroness Berridge said: “It is so important that all children and young people, whatever their background, are able to attend a good school that helps them thrive and gives them the building blocks they need to go on to fulfil their potential.

“For pupils with more complex needs or disabilities, it is especially important that the right facilities and support are in place at whatever school they attend, so they can learn in a modern, adaptable environment.

“This funding will help councils provide targeted support to level up outcomes for some of their most vulnerable pupils.”

Children’s minister Vicky Ford added that “every child or young person with SEND should go to school feeling confident that they will get the tailored support they need at school, and every teacher should be equipped with the right facilities to teach those pupils.”

She added that the funding is part of “the government’s programme of work to level up outcomes” which includes the ongoing SEND Review.

Last year, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the publication of the results of the review had been delayed until “early 2021”.