Bucks MPs welcome major funding boost for SEND school places

Labour's Callum Anderson, Emma Reynolds and Laura Kyrke-Smith welcomed the news this week that Buckinghamshire will receive a record £9.9 million to deliver more specialist places.

The funding boost is an increase of £1.4 million compared to the last allocation of funding, coming as part of the first round of the Government’s allocation of £3 billion nationally for SEND reform. Around £860 million is being provided to councils across England in the first wave, said to be the 'largest ever single high needs capital allocation'. 

The allocation will prioritise specialist places in mainstream settings, aiming to deliver on Labour’s plans for every secondary school to have 'an inclusion base', so that 'early specialist support becomes part of the fabric of mainstream schools'.

Speaking on the funding boost, Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley said: 'Having visited schools such as Sir Thomas Fremantle and The Buckingham School, I know just how important it is for pupils to have access to mainstream SEND provision, alongside the excellent specialist support available in schools like Furze Down.  

There is still more to be done to ensure that every pupil receives the education they deserve, but this is a fantastic start. Our government has listened, and is acting quickly and effectively to improve SEND provision'

Emma Reynolds, MP for Wycombe said: 'I hear from parents and carers every week about the challenges they face in securing the right support for their children with SEND in Wycombe. Too many families still struggle to access a learning environment that truly meets their child’s needs. In Wycombe, and across Buckinghamshire, families should be able—wherever possible—to send their children to the same school, confident that each sibling will receive the help they deserve. 

 This new investment from the Labour government, enabling Buckinghamshire Council to create additional specialist places, is a welcome step forward. It means more children will be able to learn close to home, in settings tailored to their needs, and more families will benefit from stability, consistency, and the reassurance that their local schools can support every child.'

 Laura Kyrke-Smith, MP for Aylesbury added: 'I know how tough the SEND system has become, with too many parents and carers struggling to secure the support their child needs, often far from home. This £9.9 million for Buckinghamshire is a significant and tangible step forward. 

 I’ll work with Buckinghamshire Council, schools and families to help ensure this funding delivers: expanding inclusion in local schools and making sure there are also the right specialist places for children with the most complex needs. This is about rebuilding parents’ confidence in the system and making sure every child can achieve and thrive.'

To make the best use of the funding, Buckinghamshire Council will be required to work with schools and partners. This is set to include 'improving accessibility, reducing the need for long journeys to school, and ensuring that children and families can access the support they need within their communities'.