Full Breakdown
Government Proposes Up-Front Funding Boost for Mainstream Schools to Support SEND Pupils
7/10/2026, 2:26:13 PM
Proposed Funding Reform for SEND Pupils
The Department for Education (DfE) is consulting on a change that would let local councils set a higher than £6,000 threshold for upfront spending on pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Under the current rule, schools can spend up to £6,000 per SEND child before applying for additional top-up funding. The consultation would allow councils, with supporting evidence, to raise that ceiling and allocate the extra money to maintained schools from next April and to academies from September 2027. Funding would be distributed using a formula that considers deprivation, low prior attainment, English as an additional language and pupil mobility, rather than assessing each child individually.
Background & Context
The £6,000 figure has been unchanged since 2013 and has lost more than half its value in real terms, forcing many schools to rely on education, health and care plans (EHCPs) that cost an average of £17,500 per pupil. The backlog of EHCP cases can delay support for up to 20 weeks. The reforms aim to reduce reliance on EHCPs for moderate needs—such as additional learning support and speech-language help—by providing schools with predictable resources and encouraging the use of “individual support plans” (ISPs) to keep more SEND children in mainstream settings.
Official Statements & Responses
“Welcome efforts to give schools more funding, helping them plan ahead and provide support earlier.” — Anna Bird, chair, Disabled Children’s Partnership
“For this to succeed, funding must be matched with the right expertise, specialist support and collaboration between education, health and care services.” — Anna Bird
“Any changes must protect children’s right to support.” — Anna Bird
“The Department for Education declined to comment.” — Department for Education
Criticism & Opposition
Sources close to the discussions warn that front-loading funds may push schools toward cheaper group interventions rather than one-to-one support, potentially disadvantaging children with complex needs. Critics note that group programmes cost the same regardless of attendance numbers, raising concerns that total funding may still be insufficient to meet individualized requirements.
What’s Next
The consultation will allow councils to apply for higher thresholds after providing justification. If approved, the new formula-based payments will begin in April for maintained schools, with academies joining in September 2027. The DfE has not confirmed a timeline for final policy adoption.
