Wolverhampton's SEND Reform Plan Gains Government Approval and Funding
The Department for Education backs the city's strategy, unlocking significant funding to improve support for children with additional needs.
By Aisha Mahmood
••3 min read
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Wolverhampton has received official approval from the Department for Education for its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Partnership's Reform Plan, unlocking crucial funding.
The approval signifies that the partnership's approach aligns with the Government's national objectives for supporting children and young people with additional needs. This endorsement also unlocks funding that will cover 90% of the City of Wolverhampton Council's overspend in this area up to the end of the 2025/26 financial year.
Earlier this year, local partnerships across England were required to submit reform plans to the Government, detailing how they would implement changes outlined in the Schools White Paper. Wolverhampton's plan has now been accepted, making the council eligible for a High Needs Stability Grant of approximately £12.72 million. The Government has indicated that future financial support will be contingent on progress in delivering these reforms.
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"This is a big vote of confidence in the progress we are making to transform SEND services in Wolverhampton, and reflects the hard work and commitment of staff, schools, health partners, parents and carers, and children and young people over the last few years."
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, expressed her satisfaction, stating, "We are committed to creating an inclusive and sustainable system where children and young people with SEND receive the right support, at the right time. We welcome the Government's recognition of the strengths in our plan and are focused on turning those commitments into lasting change."
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"While this is not £12.72 million of new funding available to spend on SEND or other services, it will cover 90% of the accumulated deficit up to the end of 2025 to 2026, helping to relieve financial pressures created by that historic expenditure."
She further commented on the financial aspect: "We also warmly welcome confirmation of the High Needs Stability Grant. While this is not £12.72 million of new funding available to spend on SEND or other services, it will cover 90% of the accumulated deficit up to the end of 2025 to 2026, helping to relieve financial pressures created by that historic expenditure."
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"We are in a strong position, but we know there is more to do. Demand for SEND support is continuing to rise both locally and nationally, and as a partnership we will continue working with children, young people, families and carers to build a SEND system that is inclusive, responsive and sustainable."
Councillor Coogan acknowledged ongoing challenges, noting, "We are in a strong position, but we know there is more to do. Demand for SEND support is continuing to rise both locally and nationally, and as a partnership we will continue working with children, young people, families and carers to build a SEND system that is inclusive, responsive and sustainable."
Consultation on Wolverhampton’s draft All Means All SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2027 to 2029 is currently open and will continue until Sunday 8 November. Further details and the opportunity to share views can be found on the council's website.
