The Government has announced a £740 million funding package to increase the number of places for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England.
The funding will go towards adapting school buildings to make them more accessible to children with SEND, and to creating specialist facilities within mainstream schools that can deliver more intensive support adapted to pupils’ needs.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said: “To tackle the challenges within the SEND system, any reform must focus on boosting mainstream inclusion, and we are pleased government has set out steps towards this.
“However, the rising number of education, health and care plans means councils are under ever increasing financial pressure, so it is vital today’s announcement is followed up with urgent action to write off councils’ high needs deficits.
“Otherwise, many councils will face a financial cliff-edge, and be confronted with having to cut other services to balance budgets through no fault of their own, or their residents.”