Understand
Gloucestershire to receive over £100m from government to cover SEND deficit
Overview
Gloucestershire County Council is set to receive £112.2m from the government to cover 90% of its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) deficit, which currently stands at £125m. While the funding has been welcomed, local charities and officials emphasize that further systemic reforms and investments are necessary to ensure long-term sustainability and better support for families.
Key points
- Gloucestershire is receiving £112.2m from the government to cover 90% of its £125m SEND deficit.
- The council must still find an additional £12.5m this financial year to fully balance the SEND budget.
- There are over 7,500 young people in the county with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
- Last year, the council received over 1,300 EHCP requests—a 35% increase—with only 30% completed within the statutory 20-week timeframe.
- Gloucester-based charity PEAK welcomed the financial support but stressed the need for investment in improved services rather than just maintaining the status quo.
- The government has approved the council's SEND Reform Implementation Plan, which focuses on earlier identification of needs, increasing school attendance, and reducing exclusions.