£80m funding boost to support SEN

A funding boost of £80 million has been announced to improve support for children with special educational needs (SEN).

Children and Families Minister Edward Timpson made the announcement, saying that it would help transform the life chances of children across the country and ensure children with SEN have the same opportunities as any other child.

The £80 million will be used to increase funding for councils, as well as support charities who work with vulnerable young people.

£35.8 million will be distributed to local authorities due to the additional responsibilities placed on them as a result of the new education, health and care (EHC) plan.

£27.3 million will be allocated to the Family Fund Trust, which will be used to support low income families with disabled children. The Council for Disabled Children will receive £15 million to help fund the independent supporters service, and a further £2.3 will go to Parent Carer Forums, which bring parents together to provide support and advice for families.

Timpson said: “Our vision for children with special educational needs and disability is simple: that their aspirations are as high any other young person, that they dream big, achieve well at school and college, and lead fulfilling, happy lives.

“We’ve made fundamental changes to the law to provide that support and the work I’ve seen so far, putting families at the heart of the process, is inspiring - but we know there is still more to do to.

“I’m delighted that today we can announce that we are committing more money to councils than last year, helping to make the transition for families accessing support as smooth as possible.”

Christine Lenehan, director of the Council for Disabled Children, said: “We welcome the government’s continued investment in the SEND reforms, which is evidence of its commitment to fully embedding the new system.

“These four grants demonstrate the partnerships required to deliver the new reforms and generate the best possible outcomes for children, young people and their families.”