SEND Funding Pressures Rise in Northumberland as Special Education Costs Soar

Council forecasts an eight point eight million pound overspend in high needs funding amid growing demand for EHCPs and costly exclusions.

Transcript

00:01New figures show Northumberland County Council is facing mounting pressure on its special education budget as demand continues to rise.

00:10The authority's high-needs block is now forecast to be £8.8 million over budget by the end of the

00:17year, following an overspend of more than £8 million last year.

00:21Growth in children with education, health and care plans has risen sharply year on year, adding more than £5 million

00:29to the shortfall.

00:30A rise in permanent exclusions has also driven costly bespoke placements, increasing spending on SEND inclusion services.

00:38Council leaders say national reforms may take years to ease pressures, and schools need more support now.