SEND Reform Plan
Councils are addressing significant financial deficits and streamlining services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Councils are currently addressing significant financial pressures and service improvements related to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reform. In September 2026, Sutton's SEND services were flagged for priority action following a critical Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) review, which identified issues with dysphagia pathways and risk management. Kingston upon Thames is unifying its SEND Reform Plan and SEND Futures Plan into a single strategic document, scheduled to launch in October 2026, after submitting its draft Reform Plan to the Department for Education in June 2026.
Financial challenges remain a key concern, with Tower Hamlets facing a projected £21.7 million deficit in its Dedicated School Grant for the current financial year, as highlighted by Councillor Iqbal Hossain in July 2026. Havering Council reported an accumulated deficit of £67.7 million in its Dedicated Schools Grant for SEND in July 2026, including a £32.235 million overspend, as presented by Councillor Sue Benjamins. These deficits are attributed to rising demand and complexity of needs.
The SEND Reform Plan aims to improve services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities through earlier intervention and inclusive mainstream practice. Hounslow Council's Cabinet approved extending its SEND and Alternative Provision Programme until October 2026 in March 2026, to feed into its Reform Plan. Upcoming discussions include updates on SEND provision at the People Committee in Sutton and the Children, Education and Families Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee in Bromley, both in September 2026.
Key facts
- Sutton's SEND services require priority action due to issues with dysphagia pathways, identified by Ofsted and CQC in September 2026. Source
- Kingston upon Thames' unified SEND plan is scheduled to launch in October 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets faces a projected £21.7 million deficit in its Dedicated School Grant for the current financial year, reported in July 2026. Source
- Havering Council reported an accumulated £67.7 million deficit in its Dedicated Schools Grant for SEND in July 2026. Source
- Hounslow Council's Cabinet approved extending the SEND and Alternative Provision Programme until October 2026 in March 2026. 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.