How SEND funding changes UK schools will affect families
The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed a significant overhaul of the high-needs budget and administrative frameworks for the 2025–2026 academic year, signalling that SEND funding changes UK schools will now prioritise “inclusive mainstreaming” and early intervention.
These changes, part of the wider Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Improvement Plan, impact over 1.6 million pupils in England who currently require additional support.
By shifting the financial focus toward “ordinarily available provision” within mainstream classrooms, the government intends to address deficits in local authority budgets while aiming to standardise the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process.
Key Changes
- Inclusive Strategy: A policy shift toward supporting more children with SEND in mainstream schools rather than specialist units.
- Budgeting: An increase in the High Needs Block to £11.7 billion, though local authority deficits remain a significant factor.
- Standardisation: The rollout of a national, digital EHCP template to replace various local council versions.
- Accountability: Implementation of audits for schools regarding their notional £6,000 SEND budget per pupil.
- Early Intervention: Funding for early years screening and specialist outreach teams.
The Drivers Behind the 2026 SEND Funding Reform
To understand how these changes affect families, it is necessary to examine the fiscal pressures facing the UK education system.
Since 2014, the number of pupils with an EHCP has increased by more than 140%. However, infrastructure and specialized staffing have not always kept pace.
By the start of 2026, the cumulative deficit in local authority “high needs” accounts funds used for top-up support and special school places is projected to be substantial.
The central government’s response includes the “Safety Valve” and “Delivering Better Value” programmes.
These are financial agreements where councils receive additional funding in exchange for reforming their SEND services.
This often involves reducing reliance on independent special school placements and encouraging mainstream schools to provide more support within their existing budgets.
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The Shift Toward Early Intervention
The 2026 framework attempts to pivot toward earlier identification of needs.
The policy assumes that by providing enhanced training to mainstream teachers and deploying “Inclusion Specialists” sooner, fewer children will reach a point of crisis requiring high-cost specialist placements.
The practical impact for families will often depend on the specific resources available at their local school.
How Funding Changes May Affect Families
For families, a primary consequence of the SEND funding changes UK schools is a focus on “ordinarily available provision” (OAP).
This refers to the support that mainstream schools are expected to provide from their core budget before requesting additional statutory funding.
Expansion of Mainstream Support
Local authorities are increasingly emphasizing OAP. In 2026, families may find that schools require a more extensive period of “SEN Support” (the stage before a legal plan) and a higher threshold of evidence before an EHCP assessment is initiated.
This shift is designed to ensure that mainstream schools utilize all available internal resources first.
Read more: Free School Projects Scrapped to Fund SEND Support: The Real Story Behind the Policy Shift
Resourced Provision and “Hubs”
Funding is also being directed into “Resourced Provision” specialist units or “hubs” located within standard mainstream schools.
This allows children to remain in a local school with their peers while accessing specialist help for portions of the day.
For many families, this represents a middle ground between full mainstreaming and a separate special school.
The New National Digital EHCP
A major administrative change for 2026 is the national standardisation of EHCPs. Previously, moving between local authorities often meant navigating different forms and criteria.
Digital Transparency
The new digital EHCP system includes a “Parent Portal” where families can track the status of an application.
This aims to improve communication during the 20-week statutory process, providing clarity on which professional reports such as those from Educational Psychologists or Speech Therapists have been processed.
Portability of Support
Standardisation is intended to make funding more “portable.”
Under stricter DfE guidelines, if a family relocates, the new local authority is encouraged to accept existing EHCP funding levels rather than beginning a re-assessment from scratch.
Impact on School Budgets and Staffing
Schools currently receive a “Notional SEND Budget.” The government expects schools to fund the first £6,000 of a child’s additional support.
However, rising costs mean this fixed amount may not cover the same level of resource, such as Teaching Assistant (TA) hours, as in previous years.
Changes in Support Models
Many schools are moving away from dedicated one-to-one TA models toward a “shared” or “floater” model, where one assistant supports multiple children within a classroom.
While partly a result of funding constraints, this is also supported by some pedagogical theories suggesting that shared support can help foster a child’s independence.
Teacher Training
A portion of the 2026 budget is allocated to mandatory SEND training for all classroom teachers, not just the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo).
The goal is for primary teachers to have a deeper understanding of diverse needs, reducing the reliance on delegated assistants for core instruction.
High Needs Funding Comparison: 2024 vs. 2026
The following table outlines the projected distribution of the high-needs budget at the local authority level.
| Funding Area | 2024/25 Allocation | 2025/26 Allocation (Projected) | Functional Change for Families |
| Mainstream Top-Up | £4.2 Billion | £4.8 Billion | More funds for “hubs” inside regular schools. |
| Special School Places | £5.1 Billion | £5.4 Billion | Focus on creating new state places. |
| Alternative Provision | £1.2 Billion | £1.5 Billion | Increased focus on children at risk of exclusion. |
| Independent/Private | £1.4 Billion | £1.1 Billion | Reduction in funding for non-state schools. |
| Transport | £1.1 Billion | £1.2 Billion | Refined eligibility for home-to-school travel. |
Specialist Free Schools and Early Years
To reduce reliance on the independent sector, the government is accelerating the opening of “Specialist Free Schools.”
These state-funded facilities are being built in areas of high demand to reduce travel times for pupils who currently attend distant schools.
Early Years Support
The 2026 reforms place significant emphasis on identifying needs at age three or four.
Funding for nursery-age children with SEND has been increased through the “Early Years SEND Premium,” allowing nurseries to hire staff or purchase equipment before a formal EHCP is in place.
Mandatory Screening
There is a move toward consistent developmental screening at age two.
While this proactive approach aims to flag neurodivergence or physical delays earlier, it may also impact waiting lists for clinical assessments, such as those for Autism or ADHD.
Accountability and Post-16 Transitions
Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) now conduct “Area SEND Inspections” that evaluate the entire local system including health and social care.
Local authorities that fail to meet standards may face direct government intervention.
Transition to Adulthood
The 2026 changes also address the transition for students aged 16 and over. Funding has been adjusted to support “Supported Internships” and vocational training.
From Year 9 onwards, EHCP annual reviews will place a heavier focus on “Preparing for Adulthood” (PfA), aiming to move more young people into the workforce where appropriate.
Practical Steps for Families
To navigate the SEND funding changes UK schools, families may consider the following:
- Review the School’s SEND Report: Schools must publish a report on their website explaining how they use their SEND budget.
- Consult IASS: The Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) provides free, impartial legal advice for families regarding SEND.
- Maintain Records: Keeping a detailed record of a child’s needs and the interventions already tried is helpful for any EHCP application.
- Engage in Annual Reviews: Use these meetings to ensure that the “outcomes” listed in an EHCP remain accurate and the funding is correctly allocated.
The 2026 SEND landscape focuses on efficiency and mainstream inclusion.
While these changes aim to create a more sustainable system, families should stay informed about national policies and their local council’s financial status to ensure their children receive the support required by law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a school provide support without an EHCP?
Yes. Mainstream schools are expected to provide up to £6,000 of support from their notional budget. This is known as “SEN Support.”
If a child’s needs exceed this cost, the school applies for “Top-Up” funding from the local authority.
Can the council move my child from a special school to mainstream?
If a child has an EHCP naming a specific special school, the council cannot move them without a formal review.
However, during transition stages (e.g., moving from primary to secondary), councils may suggest that a mainstream unit is an appropriate placement.
What is the National Digital EHCP?
It is a standardised version of the legal document. By late 2026, most councils will use this system, providing parents with a portal to view drafts, comment, and upload evidence.
Is there more funding for ADHD and Autism assessments?
While education and health budgets are separate, the 2026 plan encourages better integration. Schools are advised to provide support based on need rather than waiting for a formal clinical diagnosis.
How do I know if my council is cutting spending?
You can check if your local authority is part of the “Safety Valve” or “Delivering Better Value” programmes on the gov.uk website. These councils have specific targets to address budget deficits.
