Children with special educational needs in mainstream schools are facing challenges in accessing additional funding from councils in England without legal documentation to support their claims. This has led to a growing concern among experts who attribute the issue to increasing financial pressures faced by councils, resulting in a “vicious cycle” between parents and local authorities.
In Buckinghamshire, parents and carers have been informed that the local authority will no longer consider funding special educational needs provision unless it involves pupils with an approved educational health and care plan (EHCP). While last year saw 576,000 children with an EHCP in England, there are an estimated 1.2 million children with special educational needs and disabilities who may not qualify for EHCP and could miss out on funding.
Anita Cranmer, Buckinghamshire’s cabinet member for education and children’s services, highlighted the challenges faced by the council in the current financial year, with a significant overspend on Send provision. She emphasized the council’s commitment to prevention, early intervention, and collaboration with education sector leaders to address the increasing demand pressures.
The funding crisis not only impacts mainstream state schools’ ability to accommodate more pupils with special needs but also puts pressure on special schools and council budgets funding private sector placements. Luke Sibieta from the Institute for Fiscal Studies noted that the special needs funding system is under severe strain, with a significant increase in children with EHCP outpacing funding growth since 2015.
Kate Foale, a Send spokesperson for the County Councils Network, highlighted the projected increase in spending on Send support by local authorities due to the rising number of EHCPs. She expressed concerns about the impact of this on funding available for other pupils with needs.
Margaret Mulholland, a Send and inclusion specialist for the Association of School and College Leaders, emphasized the importance of government action to ensure adequate funding for all children and young people with special needs. She pointed out that local authorities have the ability to provide funding regardless of EHCP status, and decisions should be based on what is appropriate for supporting students.
In response to the challenges faced by children with Send, the Department for Education has initiated the “delivering better value” program involving 55 local authorities to analyze Send funding and outcomes. A spokesperson for the DfE highlighted the government’s commitment to improving support for children with Send through various reforms and training initiatives.
Overall, the issue of rejected special needs funding claims in English schools highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to ensure that all children and young people receive the support they require to thrive in education. It is essential for stakeholders at all levels to work together to address the funding challenges and provide equal opportunities for students with special educational needs.
