Government Announces £740m Funding to Support Students with Special Educational Needs
The UK government has allocated £740 million to increase support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) in mainstream schools across England. This funding is part of a larger £6.7 billion education spending package and will focus on adapting school buildings to improve accessibility.
The announcement comes at a critical time, as the National Audit Office (NAO) previously reported that parents have lost faith in the current Send system, which they believe urgently needs reform. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledges parents’ frustration but emphasizes that significant changes will take time.
BBC News analysis reveals that the number of Send pupils in mainstream education has increased by a third since the 2015-16 academic year. However, schools are struggling to provide adequate support due to limited resources.
Brighouse High School in West Yorkshire provides a stark example of these challenges. Head teacher Richard Horsfield explains that the school has spent approximately £10,000 on building adaptations like handrails and accessible bathrooms. However, critical infrastructure improvements, such as fixing a broken lift that would cost £250,000, remain out of reach.
The funding constraints have led to reduced support services. The school has seen the number of learning support assistants nearly halve, and access to specialist counseling has diminished. Despite these challenges, the school remains committed to supporting Send students and providing specialized workshops for academic and emotional support.
Students like Charlie and Freya highlight the importance of these support systems. Charlie admits he could not attend school without Send support, stating he would struggle to concentrate and likely face disciplinary issues. Freya appreciates having a nurturing space and supportive teachers she can trust.
Phillipson emphasized that simply increasing funding is not enough. She stated, “Just putting more money in the system without reforming it isn’t the answer,” and is committed to comprehensive system reform.
The Department for Education plans to use the £740 million to:
– Adapt classrooms
– Create specialized Send units
– Provide more intensive support
– Enable students to attend schools closer to home
The government’s broader goal is to ensure more Send students can remain in mainstream education with appropriate support.
While the funding represents a significant step, challenges remain. Schools like Brighouse High School continue to struggle with limited resources, highlighting the ongoing need for comprehensive support for students with special educational needs.
The announcement signals the government’s recognition of the critical importance of inclusive education and its commitment to improving support systems for Send students across England.
