Department for Education
Councils are currently discussing Department for Education funding for children's services, SEND provision, and childcare expansion.
Councils are actively addressing children's services and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, often with Department for Education funding. In September 2026, Newham Council approved plans to open two children's homes for young people with complex mental health needs, and Lewisham Council secured an £800,000 grant from the Department for Education for a new children's home. Havering Council also approved a £2.8 million project, partly funded by DfE grants, to expand RJ Mitchell Primary School with a new nursery and SEND unit.
Redbridge Council is facing a projected £17.352 million overspend on its Dedicated Schools Grant, primarily due to increasing demand for children with SEND, as reported in September 2026. Meanwhile, Tower Hamlets Council expanded its wraparound childcare provision in September 2026, creating 913 additional places with funding from the Department for Education. Hillingdon Council approved a £4.5 million Department for Education grant in July 2026 to enhance children's therapy services for young people with SEND, and Croydon Council received £6.2 million in DfE grant funding for its Family Hubs model in March 2026.
The Department for Education is a UK government department responsible for education and children's services.
Key facts
- Newham Council approved plans to open two children's homes for young people with complex mental health needs in September 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council expanded its wraparound childcare provision, creating 913 additional places, funded by the Department for Education in September 2026. Source
- Redbridge Council faces a projected overspend of £17.352 million on its Dedicated Schools Grant, reported in September 2026. Source
- Havering Council approved a £2.8 million project to expand RJ Mitchell Primary School, partly funded by Department for Education grants in September 2026. Source 1 Source 2
- Lewisham Council secured an £800,000 grant from the Department for Education for a new children's home in September 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. 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.