Rising numbers of children in Stockton needing additional support in schools could lead to a major funding crisis within the next three years with council leaders warning of a potential £34 million overspend if action isn’t taken.
00:00Rising numbers of children in Stockton needing additional support in schools could lead to a major funding crisis within the next three years,
00:07with council leaders warning of a potential £34 million overspend of action isn't taken.
00:13The borough now has the highest rate in the north-east for children being assessed for education, health and care plans, or EHCPs,
00:21which identify the specific support children with additional needs require.
00:25Officials say the number of children with these plans could exceed 3,000 by 2027,
00:31driven by a sharp increase in requests, particularly for children aged 5 and under.
00:36At a meeting of the schools forum, Stockton Council said it is already facing a £4.6 million deficit in its government grant funding for schools this year,
00:45and that figure is projected to rise sharply unless demand is managed.
00:49One of the biggest pressures is the number of children arriving in the borough with EHCPs already in place,
00:56often needing specialist provision that's hard to secure locally.
01:00With special school places in short supply, over 220 Stockton children are currently educated in costly out-of-area or independent placements,
01:09a number that's risen by 100 since last year.
01:12In response, the council is expanding specialist support units in primary schools
01:17and planning to increase provision for children with social, emotional and mental health needs.
01:22However, no secondary schools have yet committed to opening SEND units.
01:27Council officers say a strategy is now being developed to address service gaps and strengthen early year support,
01:33as well as review how existing high-need funding is being used.
01:37While efforts are underway to reduce projected costs, school leaders say the system is already under strain.
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