Department for Education (DfE)
Councils are addressing significant Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) funding deficits and reforms, alongside DfE school funding allocations.
Kingston Council's Schools Forum noted a £20.5 million cumulative deficit in its Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in September 2026, with a proposed DfE stability grant expected to reduce this to £16.9 million. Other councils, including Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond, Lewisham, and Hammersmith and Fulham, are also reporting significant DSG overspends or considering transfers to their High Needs Blocks for SEND.
Councils are also responding to national SEND reforms and inspections. Tower Hamlets submitted its SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education (DfE) in September 2026, hoping for reimbursement of high needs block overspend. Sutton's SEND services are undergoing priority action following a critical Ofsted and Care Quality Commission review in September 2026, while Redbridge was required to create a Priority Action Plan in November 2025 after an inspection found 'systematic failures'.
The Department for Education (DfE) continues to confirm Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocations, with Hammersmith and Fulham receiving £127.775 million for 2026/27, a 1.58% per-pupil increase, confirmed by the DfE in February 2026. Haringey schools face a 0% funding increase for 2026-27, aligning with the DfE's National Funding Formula. Redbridge Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on October 1, 2026, where this topic will be on the agenda.
Key facts
- Kingston Council's cumulative SEND deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) is £20.5 million as of September 2026. Source
- A proposed DfE stability grant of £22.093 million is intended to write off 90% of DSG deficits as at March 31, 2026. Source
- Sutton's SEND services are set to receive priority action following a critical review by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission in September 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets submitted its SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education (DfE) in September 2026. Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham Council confirmed a Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) of £127.775 million for its schools in the 2026/27 financial year, confirmed by the DfE in February 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.