Safety Valve Programme
Councils are managing high needs budget deficits and investing in SEND provision, with funding from the Safety Valve Programme.
Haringey Council approved a plan in August 2025 to transform St Mary's Infant School into a resource provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), creating 34 places for Social, Emotional, and Mental Health support. This project received £7 million in funding from the Department for Education as part of the Safety Valve Programme. Meanwhile, Hounslow schools faced a projected £4.24 million high needs budget shortfall for the 2025/26 academic year, as discussed in July 2025.
Hillingdon Council reported improved support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in August 2025, aiming to reduce its Dedicated Schools Grant High Needs Block deficit earlier than forecasted, with savings expected from 2025/26. In June 2026, Bexley Schools Forum discussed its 2025/26 budget outturn and the 2026/27 funding, alongside an update on its local SEND Reform Plan.
The Safety Valve Programme is a government initiative designed to help local authorities manage deficits in their Dedicated Schools Grant High Needs Block, particularly for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The programme is being phased out, with a new High Needs Stability Grant being introduced to continue addressing these funding challenges.
Key facts
- Haringey Council secured £7 million from the Department for Education as part of the Safety Valve Programme in August 2025. Source
- Hillingdon Council aims to reduce its Dedicated Schools Grant High Needs Block deficit earlier than forecasted, with savings from 2025/26. Source
- Hounslow schools faced a projected £4.24 million high needs budget shortfall for the 2025/26 academic year. Source
- The Safety Valve Programme provides funding for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.