This information is about funding for special educational needs or disability (SEND) in mainstream schools. 

What is SEND funding for? 

Schools should use some of their budget to buy things and put support in place for children who need extra help. For example, children with SEND might need: 

• changes to what they are taught 

• special equipment or teaching materials

• the use of technology, like a laptop 

• small group work 

• extra help in the classroom 

• a quiet place to go to. 

Where does funding for SEND come from? 

All schools receive government money for SEN. Schools can decide how to spend this money. 

Funding for SEND provision has three parts: 

Element 1 

Schools get money for each pupil. They can use this to provide a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) and other resources. 

Element 2 

Element 2 funding is to provide SEND support for children who need it. This is support that is additional to or different from the support that most other children get. Government guidance says schools should provide up to the first £6,000 (on top of Element 1) of additional support for those children who need it, including those with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP). This does not mean that the school will spend £6,000 on every child with SEND. Sometimes schools use funds to help groups of children. Some children will need less help – and some children may need more. 

Element 3 

If a child needs more help, they may need an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This provides Element 3 or ‘top-up’ funding which can be used to make specific provision for an individual child. So, an EHCP may be needed if the child’s SEN costs over £6,000 per year. If your school is unable to provide all the help your child needs, you and/or the school have the right to ask for an EHC needs assessment. 

Who manages the school’s SEND resources? 

School governors are responsible for the school’s policy on SEND. The headteacher and the SENCo make sure that the policy is followed. The SENCo organises support for individual children, but every teacher must make sure that your child’s special educational needs are met in the classroom. The SEND Information Report on the school’s website tells you more about the arrangements for SEND support and how to contact the SENCo. 

How can I find out what support and resources my child is getting? 

The first step is to talk with your child’s teacher or the SENCo. You can ask for a written copy of any support plan in place for your child. If your child has an EHCP it must state the support and resources that the school must have in place to meet your child’s needs. 

Where can I get further information, advice or support? 

Look for the SEND Information Report on the school website. Reading SEND Local Offer is the place to find out about services available near you and the things that schools, and others are expected to do for children and young people with SEN. 

Reading IASS for SEND can also give you: 

• more information about SEND support and funding 

• advice about what to do if you are not happy with the support your school is providing 

• information about other organisations, support groups and information services that could help 

• information and advice about your rights to request an EHC needs assessment if your child might need more than the school can provide.