Do schools and colleges have the funding they need to support SEND pupils?

The UK government’s recent announcement of £740 million to increase the number of places for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools has been met with mixed reactions.

While the funding is a step in the right direction, several issues and challenges remain that need to be addressed to ensure that SEND pupils receive the support they need.

What are the main challenges?

1. Money

One of the primary concerns is the proposed funding may still be insufficient to meet the growing demand for SEND support. The National Audit Office has highlighted that the SEND system is “in urgent need of reform,” and many schools and colleges are struggling to provide adequate resources and support for SEND pupils. 

2. Allocation and distribution

There are concerns that the funding may not be distributed equitably across all schools, leading to disparities in the level of support available to SEND pupils. 

Many families face a difficult decision of choosing between sending their child to a more appropriate school out of area or a more local.  This inequitable distribution can exacerbate existing inequalities and hinder the progress of SEND pupils in underfunded schools.

3. Long-term sustainability

£740 million announcement is a substantial amount but there are questions about whether this funding will be sustained in the long term.. 

SEND support requires ongoing investment to ensure that pupils receive continuous and consistent support throughout their education. Short-term funding boosts may provide temporary relief but the concern is that it does not address the underlying issues of long-term sustainability and the need for a stable funding model.

4. Systemic problems

The SEND system faces several systemic challenges that cannot be resolved solely through increased funding, including: bureaucratic hurdles, lengthy assessment processes, and a lack of co-ordination between different agencies involved in providing SEND support. Many parents have expressed frustration with the current system, which often requires them to navigate complex and time-consuming processes to secure the necessary support for their children. 

Addressing these systemic challenges requires comprehensive reform and a more streamlined approach to delivering SEND support.

5. Long-term commitment to change

Any reform must address the root causes of the challenges faced by SEND pupils and ensure that the system is more efficient, responsive, and equitable. While the government’s announcement of increased funding is a positive step, it is crucial to recognise that funding alone is not enough. 

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has acknowledged the frustrations of parents and schools and emphasised the need for large-scale reform of the SEND system. However, she has also said that everyone needs to be patient.  

6. Impact on pupils and families

This can’t be overstated. Pupils with SEND often require specialised support and resources to thrive in mainstream education settings. Without sufficient funding, these pupils may struggle to access the support they need, leading to negative outcomes in their academic and social development. 

7. Legal challenges

The underfunding has increased the number of appeals to the Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Tribunal, to seek to get the right support set out in Section F of an Education, Health and Care Plan. The strict duty on the local authority to provide any provision in Section F is not contingent on funding considerations. With around 90% of appeals being decided in favour of the parents, it is understandable that parents are increasingly considering bringing an appeal to secure the provision that is not being provided to begin with. 

Schools and colleges have a responsibility to support pupils with SEND. But, if the money isn’t available, they may wish to advise parents to take legal advice, especially if an annual review of an EHCP is imminent.

SEND legal support

Irwin Mitchell offers a range of services to provide advice and support to families concerned about SEND support. We can also help schools and colleges navigate this difficult issue. Please contact Esther Salter if you'd like more information.

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