Schools in England to get budget for children with special needs as part of Send overhaul

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Richard Adams and Kiran StaceyFebruary 19, 2026 at 07:50 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

The English government is overhauling its special education needs and disabilities (SEND) provision, giving mainstream schools commissioning budgets to directly fund support and therapy for children with special needs. This initiative aims to address long-standing issues within the SEND system, including unequal funding and rising costs that have strained local authorities. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson will announce the changes, which include making additional support "ordinarily available" in mainstream schools. Concerns exist that stricter criteria for educational, health and care plans (EHCPs), particularly when students transition to secondary school, could face opposition from parents and Labour MPs. The reforms will be phased in over a decade.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Treasury ×240% Commons 40% Labour ×260% Meg Hillier 60% Bridget Phillipson 70% United Kingdom Government ×280% United Kingdom ×290%

Keywords

special educational needs 100% send overhaul 90% mainstream schools 80% commissioning budgets 70% ehc plans 70% local authorities 60% funding mechanisms 50% bridget phillipson 40% treasury 40%