- Every child deserves the chance to succeed in life, which is why the Government has increased the high-needs budget by over 60 per cent since 2019-2020 to over £10.5 billion in 2024-25.
- Building on this strong track record, the Government is giving councils across the country a record £850 million cash boost to ensure pupils with SEND have school places that meet their needs.
- The Government is sticking with the plan to provide the very best start in life for all children so they can secure a brighter future.
Kate Kniveton MP has welcomed the news that Staffordshire County Council is set to benefit from £12,310,460 of funding to ensure children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision (AP) receive an education that meets their needs in high-quality environments for the years to come.
The Government is investing a record annual £850 million in councils to create new places for young people with SEND and AP in mainstream and special schools. This will provide specialist support for children with autism, learning difficulties, mobility difficulties, and more to meet their extra needs.
The Burton and Uttoxeter MP has a track record of supporting children with SEND needs and assisting parents and schools to access the support service pupils need. Ms Kniveton has previously spoken in the House of Commons for the need for quicker assessments to help fund support services and recently visited St Mary’s Church of England First School in Uttoxeter to discuss SEND provision locally.
Since coming into office, this Government has opened 108 new special schools, with a further 92 on the way, so every child can access the right support at the right time, and benefit from a world-class education.
This marks a tripling in previous levels of investment with this £2.6 billion package from 2022 to 2025. This Government is delivering 60,000 more special needs places since 2010 to ensure no parent has to fight for the right support for their children.
Commenting, Kate Kniveton MP said:
“I want every child in Burton and Uttoxeter to have the same opportunity to meet their potential, so it is vital that children with SEND and AP get the support and resources they need.
“Since my election, I have championed parents of children with SEND, helping them to access the support their child needs. I was pleased to just the other week visit St Mary’s Church of England First School in Uttoxeter to see the SEND provision they have and meet with staff.
Whilst support for SEND pupils is good locally, demand is high with accessing these services challenging. I am, therefore pleased to see that the Government is investing £12,310,460 more for Staffordshire County Council, which will help deliver the education that meets the needs of children with SEND.”
Commenting, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:
“Today, we are taking another step to ensure our education system provides all children with the very best start in life.
“We are making sure no parent has to battle to get the right type of school to meet their needs, and improving the school estate so all children are taught in the best classrooms for generations to come.”
