England to Give Schools Direct SEND Budgets to Support Special Needs Children

Published: 21 February 2026, The English Chronicle Desk, The English Chronicle Online

Schools across England are set to receive direct funding to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), marking a major overhaul of how resources are allocated for vulnerable learners. The government’s move aims to streamline funding, reduce delays in support, and improve outcomes for thousands of children with additional needs.

Under the new system — outlined in guidance released by the Department for Education — mainstream schools and specialist settings will be given targeted SEND budgets to help them provide tailored support without waiting for complex assessments or external approvals. The shift is intended to address long-standing concerns about inconsistent services, lengthy delays in funding decisions, and a lack of accountability for local authorities.

Education campaigners welcomed the changes but cautioned that adequate resources and clarity will be essential to ensure the new approach delivers meaningful improvements. Last year, parents, teachers and advocacy groups highlighted significant gaps in SEND provision, with some families waiting months or even years for education, health or care plans (EHCPs) to be finalised.

The overhaul also includes a clearer framework for how schools should identify pupils with additional needs, allocate resources effectively, and work with families to set achievable learning goals. Schools will be expected to work more closely with health and social care professionals to offer comprehensive, early-stage support — from speech and language therapy to behavioural interventions — without undue bureaucracy.

Parents affected by SEND have expressed cautious optimism. “We welcome any steps that mean our children get the support they need sooner,” one parent said. “But the system must be properly funded and monitored so no family falls through the cracks.”

The Department for Education said the reforms are part of its commitment to improve access, fairness and outcomes for pupils with SEND. A spokesperson noted that direct school budgets will empower educators to respond quickly to individual needs and innovate with evidence-based approaches. They also stressed that existing statutory protections for children with SEND will remain in place.

The SEND overhaul follows a series of government reviews that highlighted funding shortfalls, lengthy administrative processes and wide variation in support between local areas. Officials say that by placing funding directly in the hands of schools, they hope to reduce delays, simplify planning and ensure that every child receives the right support at the right time.

Education experts welcomed the move but emphasised that training and specialist support staff will also be crucial. Specialist teachers, therapists and assistants will need to be part of schools’ plans to maximise the impact of the new funding.

The English Chronicle will continue to report on the SEND reforms and their impact on schools, families and educational outcomes across England.

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