Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) – Managing the Rising Demand

• 6th Jun 2019
• Education & Training

Local authorities are experiencing a rise in the demand for services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and spend of High Needs funding is often exceeding funding allocation within the High Needs Block.  Evidence suggests that needs are increasing both in volume and in complexity.  There are particular pressures brought about by the impact of the SEND Reforms in 2014, including extending the age range from 0 to 25 and the significant additional requirements in terms of the engagement with parents, young people and other agencies in the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process that puts additional strain on capacity. The changes to the High Needs funding formula by central Government for the 2018/19 financial year, and beyond, has served in many cases to reduce the overall level of funding available.

These factors are putting pressure on local authorities and providers to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND. The financial impact on Councils – if they take no action – will result in increasing the deficit.

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