Law or policy

high needs block

5 stories · discussed at 1 council meeting · 6 councils

Councils are addressing High Needs Block deficits by proposing fund transfers and reviewing future funding models for special educational needs and disabilities provision.

Enfield Council proposes transferring £1.656 million from its Schools Block to the High Needs Block for the 2026/27 financial year, pending Schools Forum approval, to support schools with high numbers of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans. Hammersmith and Fulham's Schools Forum is also considering a 1% transfer from its schools block for 2026/27 to address sustainability, citing budget pressures from cost inflation.

Lewisham's Schools Forum agreed in October 2025 to transfer £854,000 from the Early Years block to the High Needs Block to address a £3.0 million overspend, contributing to a cumulative deficit of £18.6 million. In July 2025, Redbridge schools faced a projected £5.1 million deficit in special educational needs and disabilities funding for the 2025/26 financial year.

Kensington and Chelsea's Schools' Forum discussed options for the 2027/28 school funding formula in June 2026 and noted the current deficit. The High Needs Block is a component of the Dedicated Schools Grant that funds provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

Key facts

  1. Enfield Council proposes to transfer £1.656 million from its Schools Block to the High Needs Block for 2026/27. Source
  2. Hammersmith and Fulham's Schools Forum is considering transferring 1% of its schools block budget to the high needs block for 2026/27. Source
  3. Lewisham's Schools Forum agreed in October 2025 to transfer £854,000 from the Early Years block to the High Needs Block. Source
  4. Lewisham's High Needs Block is facing a £3.0 million overspend, contributing to a cumulative deficit of £18.6 million. Source
  5. Redbridge schools faced a projected £5.1 million deficit in SEND funding for the 2025/26 financial year. 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.

Latest stories

  1. Schools face 0% funding increase amid budget shifts Haringey schools will face a 0% funding increase for the 2026-27 academic year, as the council adopts a new funding model that aligns with the Department for Education's... Haringey 25 January 2026
  2. Enfield Council to Transfer Funds to Support Pupils with EHCPs Enfield Council is proposing to transfer 0.5% of its Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Schools Block, equating to £1.656 million, to the High Needs Block for the 2026/27 financial... Enfield 7 December 2025
  3. H&F School Forum Considers Transferring Funds to High Needs Block to Address SEND Funding Shortfall Hammersmith and Fulham's Schools Forum is considering transferring 1% of the schools block budget to the high needs block for the 2026/27 financial year. The Disapplication 2026... Hammersmith and Fulham 16 November 2025
  4. Lewisham Schools Forum Transfers Funds to Address High Needs Block Overspend Lewisham's Schools Forum has agreed to transfer £854,000 from the Early Years (EY) block to the High Needs Block (HNB) to address a significant overspend. The decision was made... Lewisham 28 October 2025
  5. Redbridge Schools Face £5.1M Deficit in Special Needs Funding Redbridge schools are facing a significant financial challenge, with a projected £5.1 million deficit in funding for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) for the... Redbridge 12 July 2025