Exeter pupils set for £740m SEND funding boost

Pupils across Exeter and Devon are set to benefit from a £740 million investment by the Labour government, aimed at enabling more children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to achieve and thrive in mainstream schools.

This funding is in addition to the £1 billion allocated in the Autumn Budget to support local authorities’ current SEND provision. Together, these initiatives form part of the government’s long-term plans to reform SEND services and improve outcomes for children nationwide.

The funding will be used to adapt classrooms for greater accessibility and create specialist facilities within mainstream schools to deliver intensive support tailored to pupils’ needs. It forms part of a broader £6.7 billion capital settlement for education for the next financial year, underscoring the government’s commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity and improving life chances for all children.

In October, the National Audit Office (NAO) published a report highlighting significant shortcomings in the previous Conservative government’s approach to SEND, which negatively impacted children’s outcomes. The report emphasised the scale of the challenge facing the Labour government as it works to overhaul SEND support.

The new government has already taken several key steps, including restructuring the Department for Education to prioritise SEND in its policies and operations. Additionally, Dame Christine Lenehan has been appointed as a strategic advisor to engage with leaders, practitioners, children, and families to drive meaningful change in the sector.

Steve Race, MP for Exeter, highlighted the significance of this funding for local families:

“Since I became an MP in July, I have received many enquiries from constituents experiencing long waits and other difficulties with SEND support in Devon. I have raised every case I have received with Devon County Council and have been lobbying hard in Parliament for additional funding and support.”

He added: “I warmly welcome this Labour Government's announcement of £740m additional funding to create thousands of specialist places, including in mainstream schools; a Neurodiversity Task & Finish Group to drive work on inclusion; and an end to Safety Valve agreements, pending whole-system reform.”

Race acknowledged the complexity of reforming SEND but expressed optimism: “After 14 years of a Tory government failing our families, Labour has moved quickly to stabilise SEND and embarked on a process to build a system where every child can achieve and thrive. This will bring hope and make a difference to families in Exeter.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, also welcomed the government’s investment, “We are deeply committed to collaborating with local authorities and partners across the system to enhance the support available for children with SEND and their families. As a trust, our mission is to transform lives and strengthen communities to make the world a better place. Central to this vision is ensuring that our most vulnerable children and families receive the support they need to lead lives filled with opportunity.”

She added: “We welcome the government’s commitment to capital funding in this critical area and are eager to work alongside others to deliver the best possible experience for our young people. While progress has been made, we recognise that much work remains to be done, and we are determined to play our part in driving meaningful change.”

The Labour government’s SEND funding announcement signals a shift in priorities, focusing on inclusion and opportunity for all children. By addressing systemic issues and investing in infrastructure and expertise, the initiative aims to create a foundation where every child, regardless of their needs, can thrive.