SEND reform plan
Councils are grappling with significant financial deficits in SEND provision while continuing to implement and refine their reform plans.
Bexley had its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) improvement notice lifted in October 2026, marking a milestone in its provision. Meanwhile, Brent Council's schools face a £20.8 million deficit, primarily driven by High Needs Block costs, as heard by the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee in October 2026. Sutton's SEND services are subject to priority action following a critical Ofsted and Care Quality Commission review in September 2026, which identified issues with dysphagia pathways.
Kingston upon Thames is unifying its SEND Reform Plan and SEND Futures Plan into a single strategic document, with the updated plan scheduled to launch in October 2026. Tower Hamlets Council faced a projected £21.7 million deficit in its Dedicated School Grant in July 2026, which the Corporate Director of Children's Services acknowledged as a national issue. Havering Council reported an accumulated deficit of £67.7 million in its Dedicated Schools Grant in July 2026.
The SEND reform plan is a programme by councils to improve services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, often in response to national requirements. Hounslow Council's Cabinet approved extending its SEND and Alternative Provision Programme until October 2026 to feed into its reform plan development. Various council committees, including Southwark's Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission in October 2026, continue to discuss these plans.
Key facts
- Bexley had its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) improvement notice lifted in October 2026. Source
- Brent Council's schools face a £20.8 million deficit, mainly from High Needs Block costs, as of October 2026. Source
- Sutton's SEND services are subject to priority action following an Ofsted and CQC review in September 2026. Source
- Kingston upon Thames launched its updated SEND Futures Plan, incorporating national reforms, in October 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council faced a projected £21.7 million deficit in its Dedicated School Grant in July 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 22 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.