Sheffield MP welcomes major funding boost to improve SEND provision for local children
- Sheffield City Council to receive £6,615,194.94 to help deliver more specialist places for children with SEND
- Funding will support more pupils to attend school closer to home
- Part of wider investment to improve inclusion in mainstream schools
More children and young people across Sheffield will be able to achieve and thrive closer to home, as new government funding is allocated to expand support for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
As part of a national package worth more than £3 billion, around £860 million is being distributed to councils across England to create more specialist places and improve facilities for children with SEND.
Sheffield City Council is set to receive £6615194.94 to help increase capacity locally, including creating more inclusive spaces within mainstream schools and ensuring more children can access the support they need without travelling long distances.
The funding is expected to support the development of Inclusion Bases within mainstream schools, helping pupils to benefit from both specialist support and time in regular classroom settings.
Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley said:
“Every child deserves the chance to succeed at school, regardless of their needs or background.
“This investment will help ensure more families in Sheffield and South Yorkshire can access the support they need closer to home, in a setting that works for them.
“It’s an important step towards building a more inclusive local education system, where all children can achieve and thrive.”
Councils will be expected to use the funding to expand provision in mainstream settings where possible, while continuing to support specialist and alternative provision for children with more complex needs.
The investment also sits alongside wider funding to help schools strengthen their inclusion offer, with additional support for improving facilities and making classrooms more accessible for all pupils.
Inclusion Bases allow pupils to move between specialist and mainstream provision, supporting a wide range of needs while promoting confidence, independence and a sense of belonging.
This funding marks a significant step in improving SEND provision and helping to ensure that more children in Sheffield can access high-quality education in their local area.