High Needs Block (HNB)
Councils are addressing significant High Needs Block overspends and funding mechanisms, while extending SEND programmes and planning reforms.
Hounslow Council's Cabinet extended its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Programme until October 2026, feeding into a SEND Reform Plan. This follows Greenwich facing a projected £7.29 million overspend in its High Needs Block (HNB) in December 2025, driven by increased demand for Education Health Care Plans. Hammersmith and Fulham's Schools Forum considered transferring £1.28 million from the Schools Block to the HNB for 2026/27 in December 2025.
Other councils are also addressing HNB funding. Camden's Schools Forum was set to discuss its HNB deficit in June 2026, while Wandsworth's Schools Forum discussed SEND reforms and the High Needs Stability Grant in May 2026. Kingston upon Thames' Schools Forum discussed a SEND Futures Plan in June 2026 and was set to vote on funding for Malden Oaks, a Pupil Referral Unit, in December 2025. Greenwich's Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on 7 October 2026.
The High Needs Block is a specific funding block within the Dedicated Schools Grant that supports provision for pupils and students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those with Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) and those attending Pupil Referral Units.
Key facts
- Hounslow Council's Cabinet extended the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Programme until October 2026. Source
- Greenwich faces a projected £7.29 million overspend in its High Needs Block (HNB). Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham's Schools Forum considered transferring £1.28 million from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block for 2026/27. Source
- Kingston upon Thames' Schools Forum was set to vote on the future funding of Malden Oaks, a Pupil Referral Unit. 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.