**
In a significant move to bolster inclusivity in mainstream education, the UK government has announced a multi-billion-pound investment aimed at improving facilities for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Over the next three years, £1.6 billion will be allocated directly to schools, early years settings, and colleges, alongside £1.8 billion earmarked for enhancing access to specialist services such as speech and language therapists and specialist educators.
A Comprehensive Overhaul of SEND Funding
The new funding initiative is part of an extensive overhaul of the SEND system, with detailed plans for reform expected to be unveiled in full on Monday. This announcement follows a recent leak that exposed some of the government’s proposals, including a controversial reassessment of children’s education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) after primary school and again post-GCSE.
This potential review process could lead to a reduction in the number of children maintaining their EHCPs into secondary education, prompting concerns among parents about the continuity of support for their children during critical transition periods. The first cohort of Year 6 students affected by this change would be those entering secondary school in 2030.
Mixed Reactions From Educators and Advocates
Teaching unions have voiced their apprehensions regarding the adequacy of the funding. Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the NASUWT, remarked that while £1.6 billion might sound substantial, it translates to a mere few thousand pounds per educational setting, highlighting the years of underfunding that have plagued the system.
Luke Sibieta from the Institute for Fiscal Studies acknowledged that while the new funding marks a “reasonably significant change,” the path to reform will be intricate and protracted. A new funding framework will be essential to ensure resources are effectively allocated where they are most needed, he added.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke optimistically about the reforms, asserting that they would provide families with tailored support that caters to individual circumstances, insisting that the government intends to uphold its commitment to every child, regardless of background.
Promises of Increased Support
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the initiative as a “watershed moment” for the SEND community and a pivotal step toward ensuring equal opportunities for all children. She reassured parents that the government would not retract effective support, emphasising that this investment represents an increase, not a decrease, in funding for SEND provisions.
However, the Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott urged the government to clarify the origins of the new funding, demanding guarantees to ensure that no child with an EHCP would face a reduction in support. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey echoed her sentiments, stressing the necessity for early intervention and universal screening to give each child the best chance of success.
The Importance of Training and Development
In addition to financial support, part of the new funding will provide £200 million aimed at equipping every teacher with the skills necessary to support students with SEND, marking what the government calls the largest training initiative for SEND in English schools.
Claire Robertson, head teacher at Cherry Fields Primary School in Banbury, welcomed the focus on teacher training, asserting the responsibility of mainstream schools to foster inclusivity. She highlighted the need for comprehensive training to ensure staff are adequately prepared to meet the diverse needs of their students.
Why it Matters
This funding announcement is a crucial step toward reshaping the educational landscape for students with SEND in England. It not only promises to provide much-needed resources for schools but also signals a broader commitment to inclusivity and equality in education. As the government prepares to publish its full proposals, the true test will lie in the execution of these reforms and the tangible support that reaches families and children who rely on it. Ensuring that these investments translate into real change will be vital for the future of countless students navigating the complexities of their educational journeys.
