Fresh funding announced for special educational needs support

The government has announced that extra funding will be allocated to provide support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Nearly £60 million is to be provided from April 2017 to help ensure children with these needs receive the support and assistance they require, both in educational settings and within family and home environments.

This package includes funding of £40 million for councils across the country, a total that marks an increase of £4.2 million from last year. This will support them to make effective plans for the final year of the transition to the new SEND system.

Current government priorities for supporting these young people include the provision of educational aids such as extra learning programmes, extra help from teachers or assistants, opportunities to work in smaller groups and help in communicating and socialising with other students.

Additionally, £15 million will be provided for the Independent Supporters programme for 2017-18, which is run by the Council for Disabled Children and helps families to navigate the SEND system and improving their experiences. An extra £2.3 million will help to fund Parent Carer Forums, with £1.8 million given over to the Contact a Family scheme.

Minister for vulnerable children and families Edward Timpson said: "These reforms are the most significant we've made to the support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in a generation and we know that they are making a difference, thanks to the passion and dedication of all those involved."

The overall aim of these schemes is to ensure children with SEND achieve the best possible outcomes in education, and are then able to make a smooth transition into independent adult lives.