From Us to You: Navigating SEND News

If you've ever felt like SEND news is designed to confuse you, you're not wrong. Most families don’t have time to dig through Hansard or translate DfE jargon. So, we’ve done it for you.

Every week, SEND & Beyond brings you the facts, the truth, and what it all actually means when you're living it. We’re not here to sugar-coat it; we’re here to call it out, break it down, and help you navigate it.

£1 Billion "Boost" for SEND Funding — But Will It Reach Families?

The government has announced £1 billion in high-needs revenue funding and £740 million in capital funding. This money is earmarked for new placements and expansions. However, as always, the issue isn’t just how much funding is available — it’s how it’s used.

Too often, funds are ring-fenced, redirected, or trapped in bureaucracy. We’ll be watching closely to see if these increases translate into actual support for the children who need it.

→ Read the official debate in Hansard

EHCP Legal Protections Under Threat

SEND campaigners are raising the alarm over the government's proposed reforms to EHCPs. Many fear the replacement of enforceable legal rights with vague "best endeavours."

If the proposals go ahead, we could see a reduction in accountability for local authorities and a loss of critical protections for families.

→ Read the full article in The Guardian

White Paper Incoming: What to Expect

A major Schools White Paper is due this autumn. With EHCP numbers now at 638,745 (an 11% increase year-on-year), the government is under pressure to curb growth in plans.

While reform is overdue, it must not come at the cost of children’s rights. We will be holding this paper to account.

→ HCR Law: SEND Legal Update | → Schools Week: SEND Pressure Grows

DfE Launches £1.7m Assistive Technology Pilot

There is some good news: the Department for Education has launched a national pilot programme to distribute assistive tech (like communication aids and accessibility tools) to 4,000 schools across 32 LAs.

It's a step forward. However, we’ve seen it before: if schools aren’t trained and supported to use the tech effectively, it’s just window dressing.

→ Read more at GOV.UK

OUR THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

"SEND reform without accountability is just another policy experiment. Our children are not your test subjects."

What’s Coming Next

This is the first edition of our Friday SEND Briefing.

Every Friday at 2pm, we'll bring you:

• The latest policy updates and headlines

• What it actually means for families

• Expert insights & no-nonsense commentary

  
  

Subscribe via: sendandbeyond.co.uk

Understanding SEND Funding

The Importance of Transparency

Transparency in SEND funding is crucial. Families need to know where the money is going. Without clarity, it's challenging to hold authorities accountable.

The Role of Local Authorities

Local authorities play a significant role in distributing SEND funds. Their decisions impact the support children receive. Therefore, understanding their processes is vital for families.

The Future of SEND Funding

As we look ahead, the future of SEND funding remains uncertain. Families must stay informed and engaged. Advocacy is essential to ensure that funds are used effectively.