Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Funding 2025-03-10
2025-03-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes a significant funding shortfall in London's SEND services, projected to worsen without additional investment.
In London alone, the deficit for this year is estimated to be £313.8 million, but that will grow to £502 million next year unless more money is put in. Clearly, there is a problem that we need to address. Ideally, those with special educational needs should be taught in mainstream education. However, it is much cheaper for local authorities to have in-house provision and special needs schools in the borough, rather than send children to another more expensive borough. Harrow was granted a new special educational needs school under the last Government. Will the Minister confirm that it will proceed? It has the support of all the headteachers and cross-party support.
We recognise the strain that the rising cost of SEND provision is putting on local government, which is why we will be setting out plans to reform the SEND system, with further details to come this year, including how local authorities will be supported to manage their historical and accruing deficits. Decisions on new school provision and buildings will also be made in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not confirm the status of the proposed special educational needs school in Harrow or address the specific ask for funding details and local authority support.
Will Be Setting Out Plans To Reform The Send System
Details To Come This Year
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about historical funding allocation policies that disadvantage certain boroughs such as Barking and Dagenham.
Has the Department given due consideration to updating the allocation policy? It is currently based on historical funding, which leaves boroughs such as Barking and Dagenham at a disadvantage for SEN provision compared with inner-London boroughs.
The structure of the high needs funding formula is largely unchanged in 2025-26, as we take time to consider what changes might be necessary to ensure a fair system that directs funding to where it is needed and that will support our future SEND reforms. We will continue to consider where changes to the formula will be required.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not confirm if updates would be made to the high needs funding allocation policy, but stated they are considering it further.
Take Time To Consider What Changes Might Be Necessary
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP draws attention to a school in his constituency that is struggling due to the high number of students with EHCPs.
I draw the attention of Members to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. I have a school in my constituency that is very good at helping students with education, health and care plans—so much so that it is struggling with the number of students who have EHCPs. Will the Minister meet me to discuss this issue and wider SEND issues in my constituency?
Officials work continuously with local authorities to offer support where there are issues with timeliness, to ensure that effective recovery plans are in place. I am sure that a meeting could be arranged for the hon. Gentleman to discuss his particular concerns in more detail.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to a specific meeting but offered general support from officials and willingness to arrange a future discussion.
Officials Work Continuously With Local Authorities
I Am Sure That A Meeting Could Be Arranged
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the deep crisis in the SEND system, which involves both funding and delivery issues.
The deep crisis in our SEND system, which is one of both funding and delivery, is letting down far too many children, and requires urgent action. Will the Minister update the House on the timing of the Government’s plans for SEND, and provide assurances that there will be full engagement with parents, professionals and young people with SEND on any such plans?
We recognise the unprecedented pressures that local authorities are under and that the system does not currently deliver the best education possible for families, who want the best for their children, as quickly or thoroughly as it should. We will be announcing more details of reform plans this year. We consult continuously with families, representatives of families and local authorities, and we will work closely with my hon. Friend’s Committee.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister provided a general timeline but did not give specific dates for reforms or detailed assurances on stakeholder engagement.
We Will Be Announcing More Details Of Reform Plans This Year
Consult Continuously With Families
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the high importance of SEND issues in Mid Norfolk and past achievements in securing funding for new schools.
Across the 46 schools in Mid Norfolk, SEND provision is the No. 1 issue for parents, teachers and staff. Contrary to the party political broadcast from Ministers, in the last 14 years I was lucky to secure £7 million from the Conservative coalition for a new school and Conservative county council funding for a new school in Swaffham. Officials in the Department for Education have also been constructive in working on a pathfinder for rural hub-and-spoke support. Parents in rural areas really struggle. What are Ministers doing to take that forward to support small rural schools to access specialist help in hubs?
We will continue to work with all partners, parents, teachers, local authorities and indeed the NHS on how we reform our SEND system and ensure that the support that is needed reaches every part of every community. Our ambition is for a more inclusive mainstream school system that draws on the right education and health specialists to ensure that every child receives the support that they deserve.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific details on actions being taken but reiterated the government's commitment to an inclusive and supportive SEND system.
We Will Continue To Work With All Partners
Our Ambition Is For A More Inclusive Mainstream School System
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about institutionalisation of children with complex learning disabilities and autism, particularly affecting black children.
Far too many children with complex learning disabilities and autism have been failed by the system and end up having a place not in their local community, but in institutions. That disproportionately affects black children, which is synonymous with the ’60s and ’70s when they were classified as “educationally subnormal”. Will the Minister explain what work is being done to identify the number of children who have been institutionalised? What work has been undertaken to review and amend those situations?
I know that this issue is important to my hon. Friend. She has, quite rightly, been raising it through a number of avenues. I will continue to work with her to ensure that we learn from the past, when far too many children were let down, and that, as we reform our SEND system, it is fit for purpose and serves every child.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific details on actions taken but offered to work with the MP further.
I Will Continue To Work With Her
As We Reform Our Send System
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
Lewis Cocking
Broxbourne
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Context
The Secretary of State visited a school in Dagenham in December to see its work with children with special educational needs. This prompted the question about ensuring that all children get necessary support.
I welcome the Secretary of State’s visit to a school in Dagenham last month and her focus on supporting children with special educational needs, but I am concerned that despite these efforts, my constituents tell me their children are not receiving the tailored support they need. When will the government deliver on its promise to ensure every child receives the appropriate support?
Our focus is on improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, alongside ensuring that special schools cater for those with the most complex needs. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill brings forward important changes to keep children safe and reform our school system so it serves all pupils effectively. We are committed to restoring trust among parents that their child will receive the necessary support, and we will do everything needed as part of our SEND reforms to deliver on this commitment.
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Assessment & feedback
The minister did not provide a specific timeline or concrete action plan for ensuring every child receives tailored support.
Response accuracy