Press release

New money for councils to support families with SEND

Councils to receive share of 拢45 million to prepare for overhaul of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
Teacher working with SEN pupil

Councils are to receive 拢45 million of new funding to help prepare for the biggest transformation of special educational needs and disabilities support in over 30 years.

皇冠体育app new money will support councils in giving young people and parents greater say over their personalised care and assistance. It will also put in place a new birth-to-25 system for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

皇冠体育app government has also today published a new easier-to-read code of practice, which offers practical advice for councils, schools and hospitals to ensure they are providing the new support for these children and young people.

Children and Families Minister, Edward Timpson, said:

It鈥檚 more important than ever that councils put the pedal to the floor and redouble their efforts to make sure all families can benefit from this comprehensive support from September.

Over 2,000 families have been testing our reforms, with many saying that the new rules are already giving them a greater say and more control over how and where they access support.

皇冠体育app additional 拢45 million we鈥檙e giving councils today will help ensure a smooth transition for everyone.

皇冠体育app new code of practice sets out in one place the legal requirements that councils, schools and other organisations that support children and young people with SEND must follow.

Studies have found that the majority of parents piloting the new system feel more empowered and are happier with the services they are receiving. Councils are also making good progress in laying the groundwork for the new system.

皇冠体育app reforms - part of the Children and Families Act - will:

  • replace statements and learning disability assessments with a new birth-to-25 education, health and care plan - setting out in one place all the support families will receive
  • require better co-operation between councils and health services to make sure services for children and young people with SEND are jointly planned and commissioned
  • give parents and young people with education, health and care plans the offer of a personal budget - putting families firmly in charge
  • see councils publish a 鈥榣ocal offer鈥� showing the support available to all disabled children and young people and their families in the area - and those with special educational needs
  • introduce mediation for disputes and trial giving children and young people the right to appeal if they are unhappy with their support
  • introduce a new legal right for children and young people with an education, health and care plan to express a preference for state academies, free schools and further education colleges

Notes to Editors

  1. 皇冠体育app new code was recently published for consultation, with the overwhelming majority of respondents positive about the new guidance and reporting that it is significantly clearer and accessible. 皇冠体育app code will be subject to parliamentary approval. Read the new code of practice.

  2. Read more about the Children and Families Act.

  3. 皇冠体育app pathfinder evaluation reports 鈥楨valuation of the green paper support contracts鈥� and 鈥楨valuation of the SEND pathfinder programme鈥� along with examples of education, health and care plans from the local pathfinders are available on the SEND pathfinder website.

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Updates to this page

Published 11 June 2014