£3.4 billion SEND boost for mainstream schools

The government has announced it will be spending £3.4 billion to transform outcomes for children with SEND in mainstream schools.

The investment comes with the government set to unveil its schools white paper, which will include reforms to the SEND system.

Through feedback given to the government, the most consistent issue parents have raised is that SEND support is currently provided too late and even then, only after a fight.

The investment includes a new Inclusive Mainstream Fund of £1.6 bn over three years, provided directly to early years, schools and colleges. This can be used to run targeted and small group interventions at the earliest signs of children having additional needs.

In addition, for the children who need a little extra help, the government will fund a new ‘Experts at Hand’ service, investing £1.8 bn over three years to create a bank of specialists like SEND teachers and speech and language therapist in every local area which schools can get support from, regardless of whether children have an EHCP.

The investment is on top of the increase for high needs of £3.5 billion in 2028/29 over and above Autumn Budget 25 funding.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "I’ve heard first hand the struggles and exhaustion faced by too many parents who feel they have to fight the system to get their child the support they need.

"But getting the right support should never be a battle – it should be a given.

"That means no more ‘one size fits all’ system that only serves children who fit the mould. Instead, families will get tailored support built around their child’s individual needs, available on their doorstep.

"Whatever their background, wherever they live - this government will do right by every child."