Government Allocates £740 Million for Mainstream School Adaptations for Send Pupils

The government has declared a £740 million funding allocation aimed at expanding the availability of places for students with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) within mainstream educational institutions across England. This sum, which forms a component of the £6.7 billion in education expenditure revealed in the Budget, is designated for modifying school premises to enhance their accessibility. The National Audit Office (NAO) stated in October that parents had expressed a loss of confidence in a Send system described as “in urgent need of reform”. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson informed BBC News that she “hears the frustration” of parents, but noted that substantial modifications would require time. An analysis conducted by BBC News indicates that the population of Send students in mainstream education in England has grown by one-third since the 2015-16 academic year. Richard Horsfield, the head teacher at Brighouse High School in West Yorkshire, expressed concerns regarding insufficient funding to adequately support pupils with Send, encompassing both educational assistance and capital investment for the school’s infrastructure. While the school provides effective support, additional financial resources are required. During the summer holidays, the school allocated approximately £10,000 for building modifications, including handrails and accessible bathrooms, for new students, which created a “big dent” in its budget. However, the school’s lift remains non-functional, with an estimated repair cost of about £250,000, a sum the school states there is “absolutely no way” it can afford. Consequently, one pupil who uses a wheelchair must travel outdoors and navigate through car parks to access certain classrooms. “On wet December mornings, it’s just not good enough,” Mr Horsfield commented. Nevertheless, he maintains his belief that the majority of children with Send ought to attend mainstream schools, observing them “flourishing” when provided with appropriate support. “We should be supported to do that at a level that we want to do that at,” Mr Horsfield stated, adding, “We are being constrained at the moment, due to the lack of funding and lack of resources.” In recent years, the number of learning support assistants at the school has almost been cut in half, and fewer students can obtain specialist counselling from external providers. Despite this, the school continues to offer specialist workshops for individuals requiring additional assistance, covering both academic subjects and social, emotional, and mental health needs. Student Charlie indicated that he would be unable to attend school without the Send support he receives. He stated, “I can’t concentrate at all by myself,” adding, “I would just daydream, do nothing, and I’d probably get told off a bunch.” Another student, Freya, mentioned that having access to a nurturing environment assists her in calming down. She explained, “It helps me because sometimes I don’t really want to be around a lot of people,” and added, “I’ve got loads of supportive teachers I can trust.” Phillipson informed BBC News that the £740 million was intended “to make sure we have the right specialist provision in place”. The Department for Education stated that the funds would be utilized to modify classrooms and establish SEN units capable of providing more intensive specialist support. Phillipson noted that merely increasing funding would be insufficient, but that extensive reform would require time. She remarked, “Just putting more money in the system without reforming it isn’t the answer,” continuing, “What I’m also keen to make sure we do is reform the system overall.“I know it’s frustrating but it’s so important we get it right.” The government’s position is that children with Send should have the option to attend schools nearer to their homes, and it aims for a greater number of them to stay within mainstream education. Phillipson further commented, “We’ve had schools that have done excellent work to put in place that provision but they didn’t have government backing to do it – and that’s what we have to change.” Additional reporting was provided by Kate McGough and Munaza Rafiq.