Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Experts at Hand and Local Authority SEND Transformation Fund

15 April 2026 · Department for Education

Proposed by Bridget Phillipson Lab Houghton and Sunderland South

Children & FamiliesNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The government allocates 429 million for the 2026 to 2027 financial year to local authorities through the Experts at Hand and Local Authority SEND Transformation Grant.
  • Local areas must collaborate with Integrated Care Boards to enhance access to support from health and education professionals.
  • The funding will support the establishment of Speech and Language Therapist Advanced Practitioners and aid in designing Local SEND Reform Plans.

Issue summary

The statement confirms funding allocation of £429 million for the 2026 to 2027 financial year to local authorities through the Experts at Hand and Local Authority SEND Transformation Grant.

Action requested

Local areas are required to work in partnership with Integrated Care Boards, using the funding to start delivering the new Experts at Hand offer by improving access to support from health and education professionals. The transformation element of the funding will also enable the establishment of Speech and Language Therapist Advanced Practitioners and support local authorities in designing their Local SEND Reform Plans.

Key facts

  • £429 million allocated for the 2026 to 2027 financial year.
  • £1.8 billion over three years announced for Experts at Hand offer.
  • £200 million Transformation Funding confirmed for three years.
  • Local areas must work in partnership led by local authorities and Integrated Care Boards.
  • By 2029, typical settings could benefit from additional support equivalent to 40 days per average primary school and 160 days per average secondary school per year.
  • Speech and Language Therapist Advanced Practitioners will be established in every Integrated Care Board area.
  • Local authorities required to set out delivery model and use of funding within their Local SEND Reform Plans.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy