Issue

Inclusive practice

1 story · 1 council

Wandsworth Council is addressing challenges in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services amidst rising demand and budget overspends.

Wandsworth Council is currently addressing significant challenges in its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services, which aim to ensure all students can participate fully in learning. The Children's Overview and Scrutiny Committee scrutinised the state of children's services in September 2026, noting substantial budget overspends and increasing demand. Ian Dodds, Interim Executive Director of Children's Services, presented proposals to maintain service performance.

The council's children's services budget currently exceeds £100 million, with an existing overspend, according to Ian Dodds in September 2026. This situation is compounded by the implications of national SEND reforms, which were also part of the committee's review.

Key facts

  1. Wandsworth Council's Children's Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on 22 September 2026. Source
  2. Wandsworth Council's children's services budget totals over £100 million. Source
  3. Ian Dodds is the Interim Executive Director of Children's Services at Wandsworth Council. 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. Wandsworth Council Faces SEND Service Pressure Amidst Rising Demand and Budget Overspends Wandsworth Council is grappling with significant challenges in its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services, as demand surges and financial pressures mount.... Wandsworth 23 September 2026