New deal confirmed to support children and families with additional needs
We are pleased to confirm that the government has agreed to extend our funding agreement on services for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The ‘safety valve’ agreement helps the council and its partners to deliver high-quality SEND support to children and families whilst also meeting a sharp increase in need and complexity.
SEND funding is a national issue and for several years the council has argued that government funding is not enough to meet local demand, leading to a large financial deficit.
The council receives £2.3million per year through the safety valve agreement and this will now be paid over a longer period, up to 2030.
Transforming SEND services is one of the council’s biggest priorities and is about achieving the best possible outcomes for children, young people and families, as well as bringing down costs to make the support financially sustainable.
Tom Brailsford, Strategic Director of Children’s Services, said:
“The Kirklees SEND partnership, which involves a wide range of organisations, is leading the way in this work and, as an endorsement, we have been asked to talk to other local authorities in England about how we’re tackling these issues.
“We’re pleased to be working with the Department for Education to address the challenges we face in meeting increased demand. There are thousands of Kirklees children with additional needs and they need extra help to thrive and fulfil their potential. We are hugely committed to providing this support and to changing vulnerable lives for the better.”
The Kirklees SEND transformation programme includes multi-million pound investments in special school facilities so that pupils with additional needs can be educated locally and see their outcomes and life chances improve.
The SEND Big Plan explains the way support and services are being developed and can be found on the Local Offer website.
Helping learners to access the best facilities and opportunities is a key part of Our Kirklees Futures – our long-term vision for learning across the district.
Our Kirklees Futures brings together the full range of education providers, plus wider partners, with the shared aim that learners of all ages will reach their full potential and be equipped with vital skills for life.
More information
To find out more, please visit the Our Kirklees Futures web page.