There was funding of £740 million as allocated by the UK government to assist mainstream schools alter the buildings to suit students who may have special educational needs or even those that have disabilities. This follows broader governmental educational spending plan of around £6.7 billion laid in the latest Budget, seeking more S.
The funding is aimed at making school buildings more accessible for SEND pupils, addressing issues such as physical infrastructure and specialist support. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized that the money would be used to create tailored spaces, including specialist units and classrooms that offer intensive support. However, she acknowledged that substantial reform of the SEND system would take time. The National Audit Office recently reported a loss of confidence in the SEND system, highlighting the need for urgent improvements.
Phillipson noted the frustration of parents who feel the current system is not meeting the needs of SEND students. While funding increases are essential, she stressed that reform is necessary to ensure long-term improvements. “Just putting more money into the system without reforming it isn’t the answer,” she said, emphasizing the need for a systemic overhaul.
Since the 2015-16 academic year, the number of SEND students in mainstream schools has increased by a third, according to BBC News analysis. This growth has placed added pressure on schools, as highlighted by Richard Horsfield, headteacher of Brighouse High School in West Yorkshire. Despite the school’s efforts to support SEND students, such as investing in accessible bathrooms and handrails, it faces significant financial constraints. Horsfield explained that the school cannot afford necessary capital projects, such as repairing a broken lift, which currently forces a wheelchair-bound student to navigate the school via external routes.
While the school provides specialist support for academic and emotional needs, the lack of resources and staff, including a nearly halved number of learning support assistants, has hampered its ability to fully support SEND students. Horsfield believes that with the right resources, SEND students thrive in mainstream schools, but more government support is required. This new £740 million funding is expected to provide much-needed assistance to schools in adapting their facilities to better serve SEND pupils and ensure they can access the education they deserve.
