Pupils with SEND Mainstream Schools 2026-09-14
2026-09-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Block funding changes and the inclusion fund's impact on mainstream schools' ability to meet the needs of pupils with SEND is being assessed.
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of changes to block funding and the inclusion fund on mainstream schools' ability to meet the needs of pupils with SEND?
The inclusive mainstream fund is part of a £4 billion investment over three years to support early intervention for SEND. Long term, the Government aim to move more money from the high-needs block directly into school budgets ringfenced for SEND, so that schools can plan their workforces and intervene earlier, ending the long waits for support experienced by too many young people in the current system.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific assessment of the impact
Under Review
Long Term Aim
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns raised by Tushingham-with-Grindley primary school's headteacher about the impact of funding changes on small, rural schools' ability to support children with SEND.
Following a visit to Tushingham-with-Grindley primary school, the headteacher raised concerns that the new inclusion fund does not compensate for changes to the school's block funding, reducing the support needed for children with SEND. How will the Minister ensure the funding changes do not reduce support?
The reforms do not fully come in until 2030, so the extra money through the inclusive mainstream fund sits alongside investment through the current system and education, health and care plans. Once the reforms are fully in place, there will be more money going directly into schools. The inclusive mainstream fund is to build up funding in the meantime. Schools will also benefit from the Experts at Hand service, which is putting £1.8 billion into specialists.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address how the funding changes will ensure support is not reduced
Reforms Not Fully In Place Until 2030
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Local leaders at a NEETs roundtable in Dudley called for alternative provision for children with SEND. Dudley college has brought forward a credible plan.
Dudley cannot afford to lose another generation of young people to unemployment, exclusion or missed opportunity. The rate of young people not in education, employment or training was recognised in Alan Milburn's review. Local leaders were clear: alternative provision for children with SEND is needed. Will the Minister recognise the urgency and back children in Dudley by approving the plan?
I thank my hon. Friend for her leadership on that critical issue. As the Secretary of State said, we are investing £3.7 billion into new specialist places. I will meet her to discuss the specific school she raises.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly state approval of the plan
Investing In Specialist Places
Will Meet To Discuss
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The previous Secretary of State revealed SEND reforms six months ago. There has been little detail on funding the SEND budget, despite fiscal pressures.
Since the previous Secretary of State revealed SEND reforms, there has been little detail on how the Government will fill the £2 billion black hole in the SEND budget. When will the legislation come to the House, and where will the money come from?
We have been absolutely clear about the investment we are making in the SEND system, with £4 billion for early intervention and £3.7 billion in capital investment. We welcome the opportunity to work cross-party and for Members to work alongside Ministers, as this is too important an issue not to bring all the ideas of the House together. I am waiting to hear what Opposition Members think about SEND reforms; I look forward to their clarifying that.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify when legislation will come to the House or where the money will come from
Cross-Party Work
Waiting For Opposition Members' Clarifications
Response accuracy