A multi-million pound package to support children with special
educational needs and disability (SEND) has been
announced.
Minister for Vulnerable Children and Families, , met with members of the
National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) at the
Department for Education on Thursday 9 January, where he
confirmed funding from April 2017 of nearly £60 million.
This funding will help embed the reforms made to the system of
support for SEND and
continue the support for the groups who have been instrumental in
bringing about the progress seen to date.
The funding announced includes:
- £15 million for the Independent Supporters programme in 2017
to 2018, run by the Council for Disabled Children, this has been
a real driver of change for families navigating
the SEND system
and improving the experience for them
- £2.3 million for Parent Carer Forums in 2017 to 2018, who
bring parents together and provide a voice to influence local
decision-making
- £1.8 million to Contact a Family, to support individual
Parent Carer Forums and their National Network, and to run a
national helpline for families
The package also includes funding for
councils worth £40 million, which the minister wrote to
them about shortly before Christmas. This investment, an increase
of £4.2 million from last year (2016 to 2017) will support them
to make effective plans for this important final year of the
transition to the new SEND system.
Minister said:
These reforms are the most significant we’ve made to the
support for children and young people with special educational
needs and disabilities in a generation and we know that they
are making a difference, thanks to the passion and dedication
of all those involved.
As we enter the final year of the transition, I know there are
still challenges to overcome, to ensure that the inspiring work
going on in many parts of the country is shared with areas
where improvements still need to be made.
That’s why I’m delighted to be able to confirm this additional
funding for councils and for the groups playing such a vital
role in supporting children with SEND. All
children, no matter the obstacles they face, should have the
same opportunities for success as any other.
