The government has confirmed funding (external link) from April 2017 of nearly £60 million to support children with special educational needs and disability (SEND).
The announced funding includes:
- £15 million for the Independent Supporters programme in 2017 to 2018, run by the Council for Disabled Children, which the Department for Education (DfE) say has been a “real driver of change” helping families navigating the SEND system
- £2.3 million for Parent Carer Forums in 2017 to 2018, which aims to give parents a voice in influencing local decision-making
- £1.8 million to Contact a Family, to support Parent Carer Forums and their National Network, and to run a national helpline for families.
The announced funding also includes £40 million intended to assist councils plan for the transition to the new SEND system.