The UK government will provide individual budgets to mainstream schools in England to support children with special needs, addressing chronic issues in the current SEND system.
Children with special needs in England are set to receive direct support and therapy from their own schools under a government overhaul of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provisions. The new initiative will allocate commissioning budgets to mainstream schools, enabling them to hire therapists or additional support staff without having to depend on local authorities, which have been criticized for their financial mismanagement and inability to properly allocate resources.
This reform aims to resolve long-standing issues within the SEND system that has forced many families into challenging battles with local councils for access to adequate support for their children. Critics highlight that the existing funding structures have left countless children underserved, contributing to disparities in care and support. The overhaul, to be detailed by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, seeks to address these concerns and offers solutions that promote greater accountability and access to necessary resources for all students with special needs.
Government officials recognize the urgency of these reforms, especially as rising costs related to special needs education have led numerous councils to financial distress. The measures not only intend to enhance educational outcomes for children with special needs but also to alleviate the burdens on local authorities, promoting a more sustainable and efficient system of support that prioritizes the wellbeing and development of children within the educational framework.
