SEND funding not matching demand
Recent reports from the National Education Union conference have reinforced the current issues arising out of funding the support that children with SEND require.
Recent reports from the National Education Union conference have reinforced the current issues arising out of funding the support that children with SEND require. Whilst the recent Hackney case has highlighted that sufficient funding must be provided to support the specified provision within a child’s Education Health & Care Plan, the report suggests that insufficient funding is coming into the education system to ensure local authorities have the available funding to meet that duty.
Since 2015, the number of children with EHCPs has risen by a third – from 240,000 to 320,000. Within the same timescale, the level of funding has only increased by 6% from £5.6bn to £6bn. It is said this equates to a shortfall of around £1.2bn. The DfE have agreed to make additional funding available for SEND but it does not close the gap. The lack of funding and/or specified support can cause problems for local authorities in relations with parents and schools and has, on occasion, resulted in children being taken out of school.
For schools and local authorities, the level of funding is key to ensure that appropriate provision can be made to support children effectively and given the various legal duties placed on these bodies, unless funding is increased, the number of challenges received is only likely to increase.
You may be interested in...
Legal Update
School leaders survey Spring 2024 - the results are in!
Guide
Revisions to Ofsted’s complaints procedure: what you need to know
Legal Update
OFS Consultation on freedom of speech guidance
Legal Update
Understanding the ICO's new fining guidance
Legal Update
7 ways academy trusts can prepare for the new Corporate Transparency Act
Online Event
School complaints: handling problem parent behaviour
Press Release - Firm news
Three newly-qualified solicitors join Browne Jacobson’s education team
In Person Event
National Governance Conference for schools and trusts
Podcast - #EdInfluence
#EdInfluence podcast (series 3) - in conversation with inspiring leaders
Opinion
Can teachers personal and political views amount to misconduct?
Legal Update
New leadership for our education team
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson announces Nick MacKenzie to succeed Mark Blois as head of Browne Jacobson’s education team
Legal Update
Changes to academy conversion funding
Legal Update
Holiday pay: Government change clarifies treatment of term time only workers
Legal Update
All change at Companies House - Corporate Transparency Act
Online Event
Understanding the changing role of company secretary for academy trusts
Legal Update
Cyber-attacks in UK universities: Why failing to prepare is no longer an option
Opinion
School attendance matters
Legal Update
Not quite a blanket ban on mobile phones in schools: DfE guidance insights
Legal Update
Charity law update – March 2024
Opinion
Caregivers at work: Navigating new carer's leave regulations
Legal Update
Updated guidance for collaborative learning delivery in higher education
Opinion
EHRC publishes new guidance on menopause and the workplace
In Person Event
Child protection in Education – London
In Person Event
Leading Safeguarding 2024 - London
In Person Event
Optimus: HR update and people strategy
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected (schools and academy trusts) - February 2024
Legal Update
Ofsted reform: Where are we now and where do we go from here?
Legal Update
New case on the reasonable adjustment duty for pupils in schools
Legal Update
What does the new gender questioning guidance mean for schools?
Legal Update
How do holiday pay reforms affect the education sector?
Legal Update - Building Safety Act
Do your campus buildings comply with the latest legislation?
Published Article
Proactive handling of vexatious complaints and abuse of staff in schools
Legal Update
Subsidy control: Guide to streamlined routes for universities
Legal Update
Data protection in higher education: what to expect in 2024
Legal Update
Installing EV charge points on university campuses
Legal Update
Holiday reforms: What employers need to know
Legal Update
Employment law in 2024: How changes impact education
Legal Update
Backpay for leavers: Employers risk unlawful deduction from wages claims
