National price bands for independent special school provision to give councils “confidence to challenge poor value”: DfE

Meanwhile, local authorities will also have a formal say on new or expanding independent provision, “so places are created where children actually need them”. 

The announcement comes ahead of the Government’s Schools White Paper, expected to be published on Monday.

The Department for Education said independent special schools charge an average of £63,000 per child per year – more than twice the £26,000 cost of a state special school.

It noted: “Over 30% of these schools are backed by private equity firms, with public money intended for children and young people with the most complex needs instead flowing into private profit.”

The Government claimed that there is “no evidence” that children at independent schools do any better than those at state special schools.

Under the new plans, statutory SEND-specific standards will aim to ensure every independent special school delivers “consistent, high-quality support and clear outcomes for pupils”.

Meanwhile, “full cost transparency” will show how public money is spent, said the DfE.

In recent months, ministers have highlighted their intention to push for more children's SEND needs to be met in mainstream schools – noting that work is “already underway” to reform the system including through investing £200 million to train all teachers on SEND.

Reports yesterday based on leaks of the White Paper suggested that children with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) will be reassessed after primary school from 2029, as part of a wider overhaul of the system.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said: “For too long, families have faced a postcode lottery – fighting for support that depends on where they live, not what their child needs. That ends now.

“We’re cracking down on providers who put profit before children. New standards and proper oversight will ensure every independent special school placement delivers real outcomes for children – not unreasonable bills for local authorities.

“This is about building a system where every child with SEND can achieve and thrive, at a school that’s right for them and delivers the life chances they deserve.”

Responding to the announcement, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the LGA, said: “It is good the Government has set out plans to regulate independent special schools and measures to control costs.

“While in some cases an independent school can be the best place for a child to attend, it is wrong that when councils’ own costs are soaring that some providers are setting unreasonably high prices and making significant profits from state-funded placements.

“To reduce the reliance on independent special schools, we look forward to the Government’s Schools White Paper ensuring more children with SEND get the care and support they need in schools and other mainstream settings.”

Philip Wood, Principal Associate at law firm Browne Jacobson, suggested that the proposal to cap annual independent special school fees with new bands can be considered within the context of the Government’s plans to limit fees charged to local authorities for children’s homes.

He said: "Like with children’s home placements, councils increasingly rely upon the private sector to plug provision gaps, particularly for pupils with the most complex needs. The government must therefore be prepared to increase public sector supply of specialist provision.

“It’s been suggested the DfE will prioritise bolting on SEND units to mainstream schools as the most cost-effective way of dong this, as opposed to building new dedicated special schools."

Wood added: “While SEND units absolutely have a role in providing more catered support for pupils, they are not a direct replacement for special schools. The sector awaits details on plans for new state special schools to fill this gap.”

Lottie Winson