Over the last few months Michael has been contacted by many local headteachers and parents with concerns about funding for children with special needs. He has discussed this issue with many headteachers, and is pleased by the recent announcement of additional funding for special needs for Poole and Dorset. 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 are giving councils across the country a record £850 million cash boost to ensure pupils with SEND have school places that meet their needs. BCP Council will get over £4.5 million and Dorset Council will get almost £6 million 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.