The Bench Report

SEND Funding Crisis: Urgent Reforms Needed Across the UK?

• The Bench Report • Season 1 • Episode 4

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The current state of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) funding in the UK is under intense scrutiny, with calls for urgent reform and increased financial support.

This episode delves into a recent parliamentary discussion highlighting the challenges faced by local authorities and the experiences of families and schools. The Labour government acknowledges inheriting a "lose, lose, lose" SEND situation and has invested £1 billion into services and £740 million to create additional specialist places. However, significant financial pressures persist, with London alone facing a potential deficit of £502 million next year.

Concerns are raised about the historical funding allocation policy, which disadvantages some boroughs. The government recognises the strain on local authorities and promises to set out plans for SEND system reform this year, including how to manage deficits. 

There's a focus on ensuring Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are issued quickly and addressing the deep crisis in both funding and delivery that is letting down too many children. The need for full engagement with parents, professionals, and young people with SEND on any reform plans is emphasised . Issues surrounding the cost of private special schools and potential profiteering are also being considered. The ambition is for a more inclusive mainstream school system supported by specialists .

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK's SEND system is facing a significant funding crisis, with rising deficits in areas like London
  • The government acknowledges the need for urgent reform of the SEND system and plans to announce details this year
  • Historical funding models are seen as unfair, disadvantaging certain local authorities
  • There is a focus on improving the timeliness of issuing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
  • The government aims for a more inclusive mainstream education system while also addressing the role and cost of special schools
  • Engagement with parents, professionals, and young people with SEND will be crucial in shaping future reforms

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No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.

SPEAKER_00:

Welcome to another episode of The Bench Report, exploring UK politics then and now. As always, do read through the episode notes as a helpful guide to today's discussion.

SPEAKER_01:

Sounds good.

SPEAKER_00:

Today we're diving into a recent discussion in Parliament concerning the crucial topic of special educational needs and disabilities funding, or SEND funding.

SPEAKER_03:

Yeah, you shared some really interesting material from a debate on this very issue, and I think it's worth unpacking what was said.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah, exactly. What challenges are being highlighted and what potential solutions are being considered.

SPEAKER_01:

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_00:

So our mission today is to extract those key insights for you, making sense of this complex area of UK policy.

SPEAKER_03:

Sounds good. Let's get started. Right. Something that really stood out to me right off the bat was the opening remarks from the minister for school standards, Catherine McKinnell.

SPEAKER_02:

OK.

SPEAKER_03:

She actually referenced that the government, quote, inherited a lose, lose, lose, send situation. Oh, wow. End quote. And this is a phrase reportedly used by the previous conservative government.

SPEAKER_00:

Interesting. So right from the beginning, it sounds like the current administration is acknowledging that there is a preexisting and pretty big problem.

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly. They're not starting from a clean slate.

SPEAKER_00:

Right.

SPEAKER_03:

And that context is so important.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_03:

For understanding the scale of the challenge they're facing now.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay, so they're acknowledging this tough starting point, but what's next? What are they actually going to do about it?

SPEAKER_03:

Well, the minister went on to outline some of the initial steps that have been taken, specifically in terms of funding. Wow. So they've invested a billion pounds in services.

SPEAKER_00:

Wow.

SPEAKER_03:

And an additional 740 million to create more specialist places.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay, so that sounds like a significant amount of money being directed into this system.

SPEAKER_03:

Yeah, it is a substantial investment. It clearly indicates that there's an intention to address some of those immediate pressures. However, the minister followed that up by saying that despite this injection of funds, quote, reform to the system is desperately needed, end quote, and that they brought in expert advisors.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay. So what I'm hearing is this is not just a money problem. There are deeper, more systemic issues that need to be addressed.

SPEAKER_03:

Yeah. It's more fundamental than just a funding issue.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely. Okay, so let's delve a little bit more into the financial pressures. Specifically, what are local authorities dealing with?

SPEAKER_03:

Right. Bob Blackman, who is the conservative MP for Harrow East, presented some really concerning figures for London's SEND funding. He cited a deficit of almost 314 million pounds this year, which is projected to rise to over 500 million next year if things don't change.

SPEAKER_00:

Gosh, that kind of shortfall must be having a huge impact on the ground.

SPEAKER_03:

Oh, absolutely. Blackman's figures paint a very stark picture of the financial realities local authorities are dealing with. But his point about the financial incentive to have in house provision compared to sending children to more expensive placements in other boroughs is particularly insightful.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah, I see what you mean. Explain that a little bit more.

SPEAKER_03:

Sure. So it reveals a potential conflict where financial prudence at a local level might not always align with the best educational provision for a child with very specific needs.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_03:

And this creates a kind of a tension within the system itself.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely. So essentially it's creating a situation where local authorities might be incentivized to make decisions that are financially sound, but not necessarily in the best interest of the child.

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly. And Blackmun actually pressed the minister on the progress of a new special educational needs school in Harrow, emphasizing its cross-party support.

SPEAKER_00:

So it sounds like he's trying to highlight a very specific local solution that could alleviate some of this pressure.

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly. He's advocating for a tangible increase in specialist provision in his area.

SPEAKER_00:

Makes sense. What was the minister's response to that?

SPEAKER_03:

Well, she acknowledged the financial strain on local government and promised reform plans this year, including support for managing deficits. So there's an awareness of the problem there. However, the lack of a firm commitment on the Harrow School with a decision promised in due course kind of indicates that even locally supported initiatives can face bureaucratic hurdles or broader strategic considerations.

SPEAKER_00:

I see. It's not as simple as just saying yes to a good idea.

SPEAKER_03:

Right.

SPEAKER_00:

All right. Well, let's shift gears a bit and talk about fairness.

SPEAKER_03:

Okay.

SPEAKER_00:

You know, how is this funding allocated? Is it being done fairly?

SPEAKER_03:

Well, Margaret Mullane, who is the labor MP for Dagenham and Raynham, raised a really important point about the current system being based on historical funding, which she argues disadvantages areas like Okay.

SPEAKER_00:

So essentially she's saying that the formula itself might be perpetuating inequality.

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly. And her point goes right to the heart of equitable resource distribution.

SPEAKER_00:

Right.

SPEAKER_03:

Because basing current funding on historical data can lock in these old patterns of disadvantage.

SPEAKER_00:

Right.

SPEAKER_03:

Especially if the needs of different areas have evolved. Of

SPEAKER_00:

course. Things change. Needs change.

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly. And the minister's response is kind of interesting here.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay. What did she say?

SPEAKER_03:

So she acknowledges the need for a fair system. Okay. And says that formula changes will be considered.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay.

SPEAKER_03:

But then states that the high needs funding formula will largely remain unchanged for the next academic year.

SPEAKER_00:

Oh, really?

SPEAKER_03:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00:

So a bit of a mixed message then.

SPEAKER_03:

Yeah, kind of. And the reasoning given was to allow time to consider changes within the broader context of SEND reforms.

SPEAKER_02:

Okay.

SPEAKER_03:

So for you, this suggests a cautious approach. They want to avoid piecemeal changes before a more comprehensive plan is in place.

SPEAKER_00:

Right. So pause on the sending formula itself while they work on wider reforms.

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly.

SPEAKER_00:

There was also a mention of the secretary of state visiting a school in Dagenham.

SPEAKER_03:

Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_00:

What do you make of that?

SPEAKER_03:

I think that's a really good sign. I think it signals an attempt to gain firsthand understanding of the challenges.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03:

In areas raising these concerns.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely. Direct engagement can provide valuable insights that you might not be able to get just from data.

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly. It's a way of grounding those policy discussions in the lived experiences of those working within the system.

SPEAKER_00:

Now, Lewis cocking. the conservative MP for Broxburn, brought up the topic of EHCPs, which are, for those who may not know, education, health and care plans.

SPEAKER_03:

Right. And he mentioned a successful school in his constituency.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay.

SPEAKER_03:

That's actually struggling with the sheer volume of students with these plans.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah. So it highlights that even in what appears to be a positive situation, there can still be these underlying pressures.

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly. Calking's point underscores the increasing demand for SEND support. Yeah. performing school can be stretched thin by a high number of students requiring the detailed and often resource intensive support outlined in those EHCPs.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely. So it sounds like his request for a meeting with the minister is really a way for him to advocate for his local content.

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly. And explore those potential solutions.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay. So what was the minister's response to this?

SPEAKER_03:

She focused on speeding up the issuance of EHCPs and ongoing work with local authorities to improve the process.

SPEAKER_02:

Okay.

SPEAKER_03:

So this This suggests that the efficiency and timeliness of getting these plans in place is a key area of concern and a focus for those improvement efforts.

SPEAKER_00:

Right, because delays in that process can have a huge impact on the children.

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly.

SPEAKER_00:

And their families.

SPEAKER_03:

It delays access to crucial support services and impacts their educational progress. So addressing those delays is really vital to make sure the system actually works.

SPEAKER_00:

Now, Helen Hayes, the Labor MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, she actually chairs the Education Committee.

SPEAKER_01:

Right.

SPEAKER_00:

She didn't hold back.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00:

Describing the situation as, quote, a deep crisis. Yeah. In our SEND system.

SPEAKER_03:

Wow.

SPEAKER_00:

Affecting both funding and delivery.

SPEAKER_03:

It's a powerful statement.

SPEAKER_00:

It is, especially coming from someone in her position.

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly. Her assessment carries significant weight.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03:

Because she oversees education policy scrutiny. And her use of the term deep crisis really emphasizes the widespread and serious nature of the problems within the SEND system.

SPEAKER_00:

It's not just about funding. It's about how that support is actually being delivered to children on the ground.

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly.

SPEAKER_00:

What did you make of her questions about the timeline for reform plans and the need to fully involve parents, professionals and young people with SEND in shaping those reforms?

SPEAKER_03:

I think those are crucial questions.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03:

Because for any changes to be effective and truly meet the needs of the community, everyone needs to have a voice.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely. And the minister in response, again, acknowledged the, quote, unprecedented pressures. and the system's shortcomings in providing timely and effective education. So the promise of more details on those reform plans this year and continued consultation offers a glimmer of hope.

SPEAKER_01:

It does.

SPEAKER_00:

But as you said earlier, it's the actual substance of those plans that will be what really matters.

SPEAKER_03:

Absolutely. Genuine co-creation of these reforms involving those with lived experience of the SEND system is paramount to making sure those solutions are practical, sustainable, and ultimately benefit the children who need them most.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely. Now, George Freeman, the conservative MP for Mid-Norfolk, brought in kind of a different perspective, a more rural perspective. Right. Saying that SEND provision is the top concern for parents, teachers, and staff in his constituency.

SPEAKER_01:

Okay.

SPEAKER_00:

But he also mentioned his past success in securing funding for new schools.

SPEAKER_03:

Interesting. So he's highlighting that the challenges in SEND provision can actually manifest differently depending on the specific geographical context.

SPEAKER_00:

Right. Yeah. And his focus on those difficulties faced by rural schools. Yeah. Yeah. In accessing specialist support.

SPEAKER_01:

Right.

SPEAKER_00:

And his inquiry about a pathfinder for this rural hub and spoke model point to those unique logistical and resource issues.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00:

That more geographically isolated schools often encounter.

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly. And the minister did assure continued work with all partners, including the NHS, to reform the system and ensure that support reaches every community. And the vision that she put forward was for a more inclusive mainstream system.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay.

SPEAKER_03:

Utilizing specialists.

SPEAKER_00:

So it sounds like a longer term strategy.

SPEAKER_03:

It does.

SPEAKER_00:

This hub and spoke idea for rural areas seems like a really interesting approach.

SPEAKER_03:

Yeah. It's potentially innovative. Yeah. And it could overcome some of those geographical barriers.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely. But would it be effective?

SPEAKER_03:

Well, it does offer a potential way to pool resources and expertise across those smaller rural schools. However, the success of this kind of model would really depend on effective coordination and sufficient funding.

SPEAKER_00:

Of course. Yeah. To make sure that those hubs and the spokes that they serve are adequately resourced.

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly. And this ambition for a more inclusive mainstream system is a great goal.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_03:

But it will require significant investment in training and resources.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03:

Within those mainstream schools to make it a reality.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah. To make it work for those children with such a wide range of needs. Now, Kim Johnson, the labor MP for Liverpool Riverside, raised a really concerning issue. The placement of children with complex learning disabilities and autism in institutions rather than their local communities and the disproportionate impact this has on black children.

SPEAKER_03:

Yeah. And she drew a parallel to the outdated classification of, quote, educationally subnormal.

SPEAKER_00:

It's really disturbing. It brings up some very serious questions about equity and inclusion.

SPEAKER_03:

Absolutely. Johnson's intervention is critical here because it forces a confrontation with the potential for systemic biases and the fundamental right of these children to be included in their communities.

SPEAKER_02:

Right.

SPEAKER_03:

That historical comparison is such a powerful reminder of the dangers of labeling and segregating children based on their learning differences.

SPEAKER_00:

So what needs to happen now?

SPEAKER_03:

Well, her questions about identifying the number of institutionalized children and reviewing their situations, those are essential first

SPEAKER_00:

steps in

SPEAKER_03:

addressing this issue and ensuring a more inclusive approach.

SPEAKER_00:

What was the minister's response to this?

SPEAKER_03:

Well, she acknowledged the importance of this issue and her commitment to working with Johnson to learn from past mistakes and ensure that this reformed system is fit for purpose for every child.

SPEAKER_00:

It's good to hear that she taking it seriously.

SPEAKER_03:

Yeah, it does suggest a willingness to confront these very difficult and sensitive issues.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely. Now, Meenira Wilson, the liberal Democrat MP for Twickenham, focused on a slightly different area. This increasing role of independent special schools and the potential for these really high profit margins.

SPEAKER_03:

Right. And she highlighted how that lack of state funded places can drive up costs for those local authorities as they're forced to use these private schools.

SPEAKER_00:

Right. So local authorities already strapped for cash.

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly.

SPEAKER_00:

Having to rely on these potentially very expensive independent special schools.

SPEAKER_03:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00:

And some of them are run by private equity firms with reported profit margins exceeding 20 percent.

SPEAKER_03:

It's a real concern for the public purse.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely. And she even reference the liberal democrat amendments

SPEAKER_03:

right to the children's well-being in schools bill yeah

SPEAKER_00:

that are aimed at capping profits for children's social care providers including those special schools

SPEAKER_03:

it's a specific policy proposal designed to address that problem

SPEAKER_00:

okay so what was the minister's take on that

SPEAKER_03:

well she emphasized the importance of the children's well-being in schools bill

SPEAKER_00:

okay

SPEAKER_03:

for child safety and broader school system reform

SPEAKER_02:

okay

SPEAKER_03:

she didn't directly address that profit cap proposal

SPEAKER_02:

right

SPEAKER_03:

but she did highlight the government's focus on improving inclusivity and expertise within those mainstream schools and ensuring that special schools cater for the most complex needs with that overall aim of restoring parental trust. And she also indicated that the upcoming SEND reforms would address these issues further.

SPEAKER_00:

So it seems like the minister is suggesting a kind of long-term strategy of building that capacity within the state-funded mainstream system to hopefully reduce Reduce the reliance on the independent sector.

SPEAKER_03:

Yeah. But the immediate issue of that cost control.

SPEAKER_00:

Right. And the potential for private companies to profit significantly from providing these essential services.

SPEAKER_03:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00:

Remains a key area of debate.

SPEAKER_03:

And scrutiny.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_03:

So this has been a really fascinating deep dive into this parliamentary discussion on send funding.

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03:

And it's clear that the system is facing some really significant and multifaceted challenges.

SPEAKER_02:

Sure.

SPEAKER_03:

From historical under funding, to escalating costs, to really fundamental questions about how to support children with these diverse needs.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_03:

And I think the urgency of the situation is clear.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah, it's palpable.

SPEAKER_03:

And while there's apparent cross-party agreement on the need for reform, the specifics of how to achieve those meaningful and lasting changes are very much still under discussion. Exactly. And it's something you should definitely continue to follow.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah, keep your eyes peeled

SPEAKER_03:

As these debates evolve and those potential reforms take shape, what I think is particularly interesting for you to consider is that interplay between the immediate financial pressures and the longer term vision for this more inclusive and effective SEND system.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah, I think you're right. How can they manage those short term deficits in a way that doesn't compromise those long term goals of better support and outcomes for the children?

SPEAKER_03:

Exactly. That's the million dollar question.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely. Well, thank you so much for bringing this to our attention and for breaking it down for us. Of

SPEAKER_03:

course.

SPEAKER_00:

It's been a really eye-opening discussion. And for our listeners, if you want to stay informed on these critical issues, please subscribe to The Bench Report. You can also find us on social media at BenchReportUK.

SPEAKER_03:

All right, everyone. Take care.

SPEAKER_00:

Take care.

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