The UK Government has pledged £740 million to expand educational opportunities for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England. This significant funding boost is aimed at alleviating pressure on the education system and creating more inclusive learning environments within mainstream schools.
Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary, emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating: “The current picture is stark. For too long, too many children with additional needs haven’t been getting support early enough, with dire consequences when issues escalate. My commitment to reform – making tangible changes to improve experiences for children and families – could not be clearer. Building a system where more children with SEND can attend mainstream schools is central to our plans.”
The additional funding will support mainstream schools in adapting classrooms and creating specialist facilities designed to accommodate the needs of pupils with SEND. It forms part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) £6.7 billion capital funding allocated in the autumn budget. According to the DfE, this initiative will benefit “thousands of pupils” across the country.
The rising number of children requiring special needs support in England underscores the necessity of this funding. In 2023, 576,000 children were identified with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), a statutory document detailing personalized support funded through high-needs budgets. However, a lack of state special school places has created tension between parents and councils, with some councils resorting to costly placements in private special schools to meet demand.
Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, welcomed the funding but warned that it must mark the beginning of a sustained commitment. “Mainstream schools often lack essential facilities to meet the needs of increasing numbers of pupils with additional needs,” he said. “This situation is a legacy of a decade of underinvestment. While this funding is a step forward, a long-term strategy is needed to expand special school places, improve facilities, and enhance support for both students and education professionals.”
Leora Cruddas, Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the consensus among education stakeholders that the current SEND approach requires a significant overhaul. “Fixing this system will take time,” she said. “This funding initiative, however, has the potential to make a tangible difference to children in schools right now.”
