SEND Support Shouldn’t Be a Budget Balancing Act

One of the biggest concerns I hear from parents and teachers across the Newbury constituency is the ongoing struggle to provide adequate support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). That’s why I recently tabled a written parliamentary question to the Secretary of State for Education, asking what steps are being taken to ensure primary schools can fund their SEND provision without having to cut back on other essential areas of their budgets. 

The response I received pointed to additional funding pledged in the 2024 Autumn Budget—£3.2 billion nationally, with £1 billion of that ringfenced for high needs. For West Berkshire Council, this will mean over £30 million in high needs funding for 2025/26, an increase of £1.8 million on the previous year. 

On paper, this sounds like progress. But the reality in classrooms tells a different story. 

The System Is Still Under Pressure 

Government guidance still expects schools to cover the first £6,000 of support per SEND pupil from their existing budgets. In practice, this leaves too many schools in a bind—forced to choose between cutting support for children with additional needs or reducing resources for the wider school community. It’s not sustainable, and it’s not fair. 

Across the country, parents are in a postcode lottery to get the support their children need. Many are forced into costly and stressful legal battles, simply to access an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). Reports show that 96% of parents who went to tribunal won their case. That tells you all you need to know about a system that is failing to get things right first time. 

A Better Way Forward 

I believe that every child—whatever their background or needs—deserves the chance to succeed. That means urgent action to fix the SEND funding crisis. My party and I are calling for: 

• A dedicated national body to champion children with complex needs and ensure they receive personalised, timely support. 

• Proper funding for councils, so they can fulfil their duties without passing the cost onto overstretched schools. 

• A rethink of the £6,000 threshold that punishes inclusive schools. 

• Simplifying the EHCP process, so families don’t face endless delays and disputes just to get their child the help they need. 

We also want to see a stronger emphasis on supporting young people with SEND into employment and further education, including better access to Disability Student Allowance and practical skills support. Locally, Newbury College already plays a leading role in this space—offering tailored programmes as well as supported internships that help young people with SEND develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need for adulthood and work. We need to see that kind of personalised, practical support available to every young person, no matter where they live.