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.
Scarborough Community Rallies Around Evacuated Residents Following Early Morning Explosion
Filey Museum Forced to Close Following Fire Safety Concerns Shortly After Reopening
Scarborough Fair Prepares To Launch With Action-Packed Fringe Festival
Busy Summer Ahead For Scarborough Athletic And Whitby Town
Whitby Town Midfielder Lewis Hawkins Departs After Six Years
North Yorkshire Conservative Councillor Defects to Reform
Scarborough Athletic Honoured With National Fan Engagement Award
Scarborough's Cambridge Street Evacuated After Early-Morning 'Explosion'
Scarborough Adult Gaming Centre Seeks 24/7 Opening Hours For Third Time
East Riding Councillors Push Back Against Proposed Tourism Tax Over Fears For Coastal Businesses
Deputy Mayor Calls For Better CCTV Integration And Investment Across North Yorkshire
Residents Object To Holiday Let Plan Near Historic Whitby Landmark
Comments
Add a comment