Following lots of collective work between DfE and EBDOG, the Government have recently announced (09 April) a £280 million capital fund to support the provision of SEND places. Councils will receive the funding to create new places in schools, academies, colleges and early years settings. The funding will improve existing provision to create modern, fit-for-purpose spaces suited to a wider range of pupil needs. This could be by contributing to the cost of creating a whole new special school, or by improving accessibility, such as installing ramps, handrails or ceiling hoists. Further details can be found here.

Graham Olway MBE, National Chairman of the Education Building Development Officers Group, said:

“We welcome this announcement of extra High Needs funding to help support the work of local authorities in meeting the needs of children with a range of needs in schools. The funding allows more opportunities and projects to be fulfilled in an area of growing need for local authorities”.