Mark Whitehead 17 December 2018

Council chiefs call for ‘emergency cash’ to support children with special needs

The Government has announced it will provide £350m to support children with complex needs and disabilities.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds said councils will receive an extra £250m over the next two years on top of the £6bn already provided in the budget this year.

He said a further £100m would create more specialist places in mainstream schools, colleges and special schools.

It followed a warning by council leaders that an emergency cash injection was needed to close a potential funding gap of up to £1.6bn over the next two years.

The Local Government Association (LGA) forecast that the current funding deficit could double to £806m next year and could continue to rise.

Anntoinette Bramble, chair of the LGA’s children and young people board, said the current system was at a 'tipping point' and the emergency funding was needed just to keep services afloat and cope with unprecedented demand.

Announcing the new money, education secretary Damian Hinds said: 'We recognise that the high needs budget faces significant pressures and this additional investment will help local councils to manage those pressures, whilst being able to invest to provide more support.

'Every school or college should be one for a young person with special educational needs; every teacher should be equipped to teach them, and families need to feel supported.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Operations Support Manager - Braintree District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £23.6000 per hour
Operations Support Manager- Braintree District Council £23.60 PAYE / £30.22 Umbrella Full-Time, Temporary 37 Hours per Week 6 Months Contract Closing England, Essex
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Highways Inspection Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£32,962 - £36,791pa
We have an exciting opportunity for a Highways Inspection Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Driver

North Yorkshire Council
£12.85 - £13.47 per hour
The team comprises approximately 350 drivers and passenger assistants that operate at locations throughout North Yorkshire. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Passenger Assistant Medical

North Yorkshire Council
£27,254- £29,064 pro rata per annum
We are looking for caring, flexible, and committed people to help us provide this transport. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker - Children's Assessment and Safeguarding

North East Lincolnshire Council
Salary from ASYE level £36,363 up to £46,142
We’re looking for inspirational social workers North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council
Linkedin Banner