Issue

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

59 stories · discussed at 43 council meetings · 29 councils

Councils are addressing significant funding shortfalls and recruitment challenges while implementing SEND reforms to improve support.

Councils are grappling with significant financial pressures related to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). In September 2026, Greenwich Council reported an £18.1 million schools funding shortfall, and Redbridge Council projected a £17.352 million overspend on its Dedicated Schools Grant, both largely due to High Needs Block pressures. Havering Council faced an estimated £45 million overspend in September 2026. Islington Council committed £1.56 million in October 2026 to SEND reforms, including the 'Experts at Hand' initiative. Kingston upon Thames is unifying its SEND plans, with a launch scheduled for October 2026.

Efforts to improve SEND support continue, with Kingston's SEND Futures Plan showing improved annual review times in September 2026. However, Kingston schools are facing a recruitment crisis for educational psychologists and occupational therapists, hindering support, as highlighted in September 2026. Sutton's SEND services are receiving priority action following a critical review in September 2026 that identified issues with dysphagia pathways. Redbridge is also seeing growing demand for specialist SEND places, noted in September 2026.

Lambeth Council is implementing a three-year SEND Reform Plan, discussed in September 2026, focusing on inclusion and early intervention. Looking ahead, the Greenwich Schools Forum and the Enfield Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel are scheduled to discuss SEND in October 2026. Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) refers to the educational and support needs of children and young people with learning difficulties or disabilities.

Key facts

  1. Islington Council committed £1.56 million to SEND reforms for 2026-27 in October 2026. Source
  2. Kingston upon Thames' unified SEND plan is scheduled to launch in October 2026. Source
  3. Greenwich Council faces an £18.1 million schools funding shortfall, primarily from the High Needs Block, reported in September 2026. Source
  4. Redbridge Council faces a projected £17.352 million overspend on its Dedicated Schools Grant, reported in September 2026. Source
  5. Sutton's SEND services are receiving priority action following an Ofsted and CQC review 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 3 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 4

  1. Sutton's SEND Reform Plan Aims to Improve Support for Young People Sutton Council is embarking on a significant reform of its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services, aiming to create a more responsive, inclusive, and... Sutton 20 June 2026
  2. Sutton Faces Extended Waits for SEND Assessments Amidst Reform Efforts Parents and carers in Sutton are facing lengthy waits for assessments for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), a recent council meeting revealed. The... Sutton 20 June 2026
  3. Richmond's Post-16 Education Offer Deemed 'Suitable and Sufficient' Richmond's post-16 education and training offer for young people aged 16 to 18, and up to 25 for those with SEND, has been deemed suitable and sufficient to meet the local... Richmond upon Thames 28 March 2026
  4. Tower Hamlets Council Faces £18.6 Million General Fund Overspend Amidst Rising Social Care and SEND Costs Tower Hamlets Council is facing significant financial pressures, with a projected £18.6 million overspend on its General Fund for the financial year 2025-26. This deficit is... Tower Hamlets 25 March 2026
  5. Hounslow Boosts SEND Support with Programme Extension Hounslow Council's Cabinet has approved plans to extend the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Programme until the end of October... Hounslow 20 March 2026
  6. Southwark Council Reports Significant Achievements in Housing, Education, and Environmental Initiatives During 2022-2026 Term Southwark Council's Cabinet has reviewed its achievements and performance over the 2022-2026 term, noting significant progress in key areas including housing, education, and... Southwark 20 March 2026
  7. Redbridge Council reviews progress on SEND services following Ofsted report Redbridge Council's Children and Young People Policy Development Committee has reviewed a report detailing significant progress and ongoing work in improving services for... Redbridge 18 March 2026
  8. Croydon youth services to receive £4 million funding boost for early help, mental health, and engagement Croydon's youth services are set to receive a significant funding boost, with over £4 million allocated to voluntary and community sector organisations. This investment, planned... Croydon 16 March 2026