East Riding Council’s cabinet member for children, families and education has criticised the way funding for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is allocated to local councils.
In a statement Councillor Victoria Aitken said:
“In East Riding we receive the lowest amount of funding per child, at £952 per pupil with SEND. The average amount per pupil nationally is £1,371, and if we received this it would mean the council would have a staggering £17.4million more each year for SEND provision.
“This would eliminate the high needs deficit and allow for further investment to reduce spending pressures across SEND and the wider school system budgets. The effect of lower funding in children’s services contributes significantly to the wider council budget, and if we received appropriate funding for high needs, our overall council position would be significantly more manageable.
“Whilst we know there is some outstanding work from schools and professionals, there is a real strain on the system, and we need this to change.”
East Riding Council are not alone in their struggles, a recent report from Child of the North described SEND provision in the UK as a “postcode lottery” and found that a staggering 99% of school leaders report that the funding they receive for pupils with SEND is insufficient.
The report also found that poor SEND provision across the country has profound affects on children’s academic success. For example, the report found that that just 30% of young people with SEND achieved a Grade 4 or higher in English and Maths in 2022/23, compared to 72% without SEND.
Yorkshire Coast Town Fears Becoming 'Forgotten Acres' After Missing Out on Regeneration Funds
Scarborough Athletic Return To Action
Mixed Report Reveals Inconsistent Experiences for SEND Families in the East Riding
Baroness Grey-Thompson Announced as Keynote Speaker for Bridlington Business Day
Scarborough Group Foundation Pledges Support to British Heart Foundation
Seamer Hotel Expansion Plan Approved
Saint Catherine's Staff Praised in Inspection Report
Festive E-Scooter Warning Issued by Humberside Police Amid Christmas Gift Rush
Whitby New Bridge Speed Limit Change To Be Debated
"It's Just Not Good Enough"- Filey Councillor On Town's EV Chargers
Scarborough Flat Plans Blocked By Council
Eighty Thousand Visitors On Average For North Yorkshire Attractions Says Councillor
Comments
Add a comment