SEND provision
Councils are addressing financial challenges and implementing improvement plans for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision.
Redbridge Council is implementing a comprehensive improvement plan for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, following an Ofsted report in May 2025 that found 'widespread and/or systematic failures' in its partnership. Councillor Dudridge, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, described the council's response as swift and ambitious in March 2026. Croydon Council also approved a financial strategy in July 2026, acknowledging significant ongoing costs associated with SEND provision.
Financial pressures are also impacting other councils, with Richmond Council set to review SEND therapy services and its SEND Futures Plan in July 2025 to address potential savings. Harrow Council paused a new SEND school project in July 2025 due to uncertainty over central government funding and direction. Barnet's Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee discussed updates on the SEND reform plan in June 2026.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision refers to the educational support and services provided to children and young people with identified specific learning needs. Redbridge Council has also been focusing on enhancing SEND support within mainstream schools since November 2025.
Key facts
- Croydon Council approved a financial strategy in July 2026, acknowledging ongoing costs for SEND provision. Source
- Redbridge Council is implementing a comprehensive SEND improvement plan in response to an Ofsted report, as of March 2026. Source
- Ofsted found 'widespread and/or systematic failures' in Redbridge's SEND partnership in May 2025. Source
- Redbridge Council focused on enhancing SEND support in mainstream schools in November 2025. Source
- Harrow Council paused a new SEND school project in July 2025 due to funding uncertainty. 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.