Proposals on upfront funding for mainstream schools “in their current form” will not result in better outcomes for children with SEND, LGA claims

Responding to the Department for Education’s Upfront funding for mainstream schools: creating a ‘local SEND inclusion formula’ consultation, the LGA warned that such an improvement will only be possible with the allocation of additional funding for mainstream schools from the high needs block, in the context of the continued growth in need for SEND support.

In July, the Department for Education sought views on whether mainstream schools should get more of their SEND funding upfront – before children need extra support – rather than having to apply for it later.

Responding to this, the LGA said: “The Department’s proposals appear to be based on the assumption that mainstream schools are sufficiently and sustainably funded to meet need, where in reality schools consistently report that existing resources, including notional SEND funding, are insufficient to meet current levels and complexity of need.

“The proposed reforms place greater expectations on mainstream schools to identify needs earlier, deliver effective support and sustain inclusive practice. Meeting these expectations will require schools to have confidence that they are appropriately resourced to undertake this expanded role.”

The LGA warned that moving a larger share of funding upfront without increasing the overall funding available would “not resolve the underlying problem”, but rather would redistribute financial pressure between councils and schools.

The Association added: “If the Department decides to proceed with testing this proposal it should be accompanied by a guarantee that any associated increase in council high needs deficits will be completely written off before the statutory override ends in March 2028.”

The LGA has also published its response to the Department for Education’s ‘SEND reform: education other than at school consultation’, in which it warned a new model of delivering education other than at school (EOTAS) packages must be accompanied by clarity on responsibilities, backed by appropriate accountability measures, sufficient funding and capacity in councils, schools and health.

Lottie Winson