Concerns over funding and workforce capacity are casting a shadow over the implementation of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms, according to discussions at the Kensington and Chelsea Schools' Forum.

During a meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026, the forum received an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn, which revealed a worsening deficit of £1,061,000, bringing the total DSG reserve balance deficit to £4,088,000. While a new High Needs Stability Grant is expected to cover approximately 90% of this deficit, amounting to about £3.7 million, the council will need to manage the remaining £400,000. The specifics of the High Needs Stability Grant's disbursement timeline are not yet detailed, though the Department for Education (DfE) will conduct checks against statutory returns to calculate its value.

The forum also discussed the government's SEND reform proposals, noting broad support for the direction of change but significant caution regarding delivery risks. The High Needs Block is facing flat cash funding for the 2026-27 financial year, which equates to a 'cut in funding when price factored in'. This means the allocation for 2026-27 broadly mirrors that of 2025-26, despite increasing demand. The number of requests for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) rose by 5.6% in January 2026 compared to January 2025, and statutory needs assessments increased by 11.2% during 2025.

Key concerns highlighted by the High Needs Block Reference Group (HNBRG) included the need for adequate funding for early intervention. The government's SEND reforms propose a new legal requirement for schools, FE colleges, and maintained nursery schools to create Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children with SEND from 2029. The reforms also mention a 'strengthened role for partnership with Health led Integrated Care Boards (ICBs)' and 'nationally defined specialist provision packages'. However, specific details on how the reforms will clarify the handling of complaints are not yet provided.

Reform must improve the lived experience of children and young people with SEND, stated the HNBRG in their feedback. They emphasised that if early intervention is not sufficiently funded, there is a 'clear risk that unmet need will fall to schools, increasing pressure and undermining inclusion'.

The government's SEND reform proposals are slated for statutory changes from 2029. In other related news, the DfE has committed to reopening its workbook in March 2027 to increase commissioned places at Parkwood Hall.

Further details on school funding can be found in the 2027-28 School Funding Formula Options For Consultation. The Public reports pack and Agenda frontsheet for the meeting are also available.