lb280m capital funding boost for kids with SEND
The government has announced that children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will benefit from the £280 million investment.
Councils will receive the funding to produce new places in schools, academies, colleges and early years settings. The funding will improve existing provision to produce modern, fit-for-purpose spaces suited to a wider selection of pupil needs. This may be by contributing to the cost of developing a whole new special school, or by improving accessibility, such as installing ramps, handrails or ceiling hoists.
Minister for the School System Baroness Berridge said: “It's so important that all children and young adults, whatever their background, are able to attend a good school that can help them thrive and provides them the building blocks they have to go on to fulfil their potential.
“For pupils with more complex needs or disabilities, it is particularly important the right facilities and support have established yourself at whatever school they attend, so they can learn inside a modern, adaptable environment. This funding will help councils provide targeted support to gain levels outcomes for some of their most vulnerable pupils.”
The funding is for the financial year 2021-22, to aid the provision of high needs places needed by September 2022. Up to one more £20 million is going to be accustomed to support High Needs capital projects in a small number of the local authorities facing the greatest Dedicated Schools Grant deficits.
Children and Families Minister Vicky Ford said: “Every child or young person with SEND is going to college feeling certain that they'll obtain the tailored support they require in school, and each teacher should be equipped with the right facilities to show those pupils. We have already increased our prime needs budget by nearly one fourth over the past two years. This additional investment will enable local authorities to invest more in creating excellent school places or enhancing existing provision to ensure that pupils with additional needs and disabilities get the same opportunities just like any other.”
