- Every child deserves the chance to succeed in life, which is why the Conservative 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 Conservative 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.
- The Conservative Government is sticking with the plan to provide the very best start in life for all children so they can secure a brighter future.
Mike Wood MP has welcomed the news that both Dudley Council and Staffordshire County Council are set to benefit from a combined of over £18 million 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.
The Conservative Government are investing a record annual £850 million in councils to create new places for young people with SEND and AP in mainstream and special schools. This will provide specialist support for children with autism, learning difficulties, mobility difficulties, and more to meet their extra needs.
Since coming into office, this Conservative Government has opened 108 new special schools, with a further 92 on the way, so every child can access the right support at the right time, and benefit from a world-class education.
This marks a tripling in previous levels of investment with this £2.6 billion package from 2022 to 2025. This Government is delivering 60,000 more special needs places since 2010 to ensure no parent as to fight for the right support for their children.
The Conservative Government are sticking to the plan to ensure all children, including those with SEND and AP, are able to make the most of their world-class education so they can secure a brighter future for themselves, their families, and our country.
Commenting, Mike Wood MP said: “I want every child within my constituency to have the same opportunity to meet their potential, so itis vital that children with SEND and AP get the support and resources they need.
“I am, therefore pleased to see that the Conservative Government are investing over £18 million in Dudley and Staffordshire, which will deliver the education that meets the needs of children with SEND, as the Conservative Government sticks to the plan to deliver on their promise of a brighter future for this generation and the next.”
Commenting, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “Today we are taking another step to ensure our education system provides all children with the very best start in life. “We are making sure no parent has to battle to get the right type of school to meet their needs, and improving the school estate so all children are taught in the best classrooms for generations to come.”
