Increased Funding for SEND: A Step Towards Inclusive Education

Increased Funding for SEND: A Step Towards Inclusive Education

The UK Government has announced a significant £740 million funding boost to transform the educational experience for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This initiative is part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) £6.7 billion capital funding for schools, announced in the autumn budget, and aims to enhance accessibility and inclusion in schools across England.

A Vital Commitment to SEND Inclusion

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson highlighted the urgency of these changes, stating: "For too long, too many children with additional needs haven’t been getting support early enough, with dire consequences when issues escalate. We are determined to break down barriers to opportunity for all children and will work closely with local authorities, schools, and families to ensure inclusion is at the heart of learning."

The funding focuses on two key areas to address the challenges faced by SEND pupils:

• Adapting Classrooms for Accessibility: Schools will be supported to make their facilities more inclusive, such as installing ramps, lifts, and soundproofing to accommodate diverse needs.

  
  

• Creating Specialist Units in Mainstream Schools: These dedicated spaces will provide focused, tailored support for children with complex needs, bridging the gap between mainstream and specialist schools.

This initiative aims to alleviate the strain on state special schools, enabling more children to stay in mainstream schools closer to home while receiving the care they need. The DfE estimates that thousands of pupils will benefit from these changes, which are expected to relieve local councils of the financial burden of funding private SEND placements due to insufficient state-provided spaces.

Why This Matters

Children with SEND face significant barriers to receiving an education on par with their peers. These challenges include:

• A lack of suitable facilities in mainstream schools.

  
  

• Insufficient access to specialist resources and trained staff.

  
  

• Long waiting times for Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), which outline the extra help children require.

  
  

Currently, more than 576,000 children in England have an EHCP, but the rising demand has far outpaced the capacity of both mainstream and specialist schools. This has left many families struggling to access the necessary support for their children, forcing local councils to turn to costly private placements.

Apex Care’s Perspective: Fostering Ethical Growth

Dev Singh, co-founder of Apex Care & Education Ltd, views this funding as a lifeline for children, families, and ethical care providers.

"This investment is a step in the right direction. It’s not just about addressing immediate gaps in the system—it’s about creating a culture of care and inclusion that prioritises children’s well-being above all else. Ethical organisations like ours are driven by the mission to serve, and this funding will allow us to expand our reach, improve our services, and ensure every child has access to the resources they need to thrive."

Singh further noted that the allocation of resources must be transparent and responsible: "When resources are allocated responsibly, it inspires a ripple effect—creating more opportunities for care providers who genuinely want to make a difference. This will help rebuild trust among families and ensure that no child is left behind in the pursuit of quality education and support."

Concerns from Educators and Advocacy Groups

While the announcement has been welcomed by many, experts caution that this funding must be part of a broader, sustained effort to reform the SEND system.

• Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, stated:

  “There simply isn’t enough capacity in either mainstream or special schools to offer all children with additional needs the support they deserve. While this funding will be welcomed by mainstream schools, it must be just the beginning of sustained investment.”

  
  

• Similarly, Leora Cruddas, Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts, stressed the need for systemic reform, including a streamlined approach to SEND support that reduces the fragmented experiences many families face.

  
  

Reports from schools reveal the immense costs of maintaining accessibility. For example, a school in West Yorkshire noted that repairing a single broken lift can cost upwards of £250,000, highlighting the significant financial strain many schools endure.

Apex Care Foundation’s Perspective

At Apex Care Foundation, we see this funding as a much-needed step toward creating an equitable education system. As a charity dedicated to supporting children with disabilities, we understand the profound impact that inclusive education can have on a child’s development and future opportunities.

Our mission aligns closely with the goals of this initiative, and we remain committed to:

• Advocating for improved accessibility in schools.

  
  

• Ensuring children receive timely and effective interventions.

  
  

• Supporting families navigating the complex SEND landscape.

Next Steps: Building on Momentum

While this funding is a positive step, Apex Care Foundation urges the Government to address additional priorities to ensure long-term improvements:

1. Streamline the Assessment Process: Delays in SEND assessments hinder access to essential support.

2. Expand Educator Training: Investment in professional development will equip teachers to support children with diverse needs effectively.

3. Ensure Accountability: Transparent allocation of funds is critical to achieving meaningful outcomes and preventing waste.

A Critical Moment for Change

The £740 million funding pledge represents an opportunity to transform the lives of children with SEND, but its success depends on effective implementation and sustained commitment. As the Department for Education collaborates with schools, local authorities, and families, the focus must remain on building a system that prioritises inclusion and opportunity for every child.

Join Us in Supporting SEND Initiatives

At Apex Care Foundation, we are dedicated to bridging gaps in support for children and families. We believe this funding marks the start of a journey toward a brighter, more inclusive future for children with SEND.

Explore how you can support our mission by visiting our Contribute, Volunteer, or Fundraise pages today. Together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

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Sources:

Government Article - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-specialist-places-to-be-created-in-mainstream-schools

Leora Cruddas Linkedin - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/leora-cruddas

Paul Whiteman quote - https://www.naht.org.uk/About-Us/Our-people

Apex Care - http://www.apexcare.co/

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson - https://www.gov.uk/government/people/bridget-phillipson