Special Needs Education Funding 2023-10-23
2023-10-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP inquired about the current state of funding allocation and its sufficiency towards addressing special educational needs.
What recent assessment has she made of the adequacy of funding for special needs education?
Higher needs funding for children and young people with complex needs is increasing by a further £440 million next year, bringing the total higher needs budget to £10.5 billion in 2024-25—60% higher than it was in 2019-20.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP expressed concern over the shortage of school placements for children with special educational needs, noting that some students are being placed in mainstream schools despite requiring specialist education.
I am grateful to the Minister for that response, and I heard the earlier responses, but there is a shortage of places in special needs schools—special schools for children who need those places. Will he carry out a national assessment of the number of places that are available in special schools against the number of places that are needed?
My hon. Friend makes an important point. We have approved the opening of 78 special schools, and this year we collected new data from local authorities on their capacity and demand forecast for special schools. That will help us to support them more effectively to fulfil their duty to provide sufficient places.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to a national assessment but provided information on recent actions taken.
Response accuracy