Upfront funding for mainstream schools: creating a ‘local SEND inclusion formula’

Ahead of statutory changes, we are seeking views on temporary arrangements to allow local authorities to increase the funding mainstream schools receive to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

We are consulting on our proposed:

• approach for local authorities to deliver additional funding to mainstream schools
• arrangements for the 2027 to 2028 financial year

We would like to hear from everyone who has an interest in SEND funding in mainstream schools, including:

• local authorities
• mainstream schools, both maintained and academies
• representatives of school funding and finance arrangements
• parents and carers

Separately, we are providing guidance intended to support local authorities to understand the process towards using these flexibilities in the 2027 to 2028 financial year. This does not indicate that any decision has been made to implement the policy.

The guidance may be amended following this consultation. We are sharing it early to allow local authorities time to complete the application process for the 2027 to 2028 financial year.