(UK) Isle of Wight: $5.4M SPED investment
- The end of childhood
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Jan 1, 2026, County Press: New £4m [$5.4M] investment in Isle of Wight SEND school improvements
More than £4 million [$5.4M] is to be invested in special education needs and disabilities (SEND) provision on the Isle of Wight as part of a major national funding package.
Announced by the government, the funding forms part of a multi-billion-pound programme aimed at transforming support for children with SEND across England.
The Island is set to receive £4,050,000, with the funding intended to help deliver specialist education places more quickly and efficiently than under the previous free school model.
The investment is expected to contribute to the creation of around 50,000 new specialist places nationwide.
Locally, the funding will support the development of bespoke facilities and calming spaces for children with additional needs, including autism and ADHD, while also helping pupils integrate into mainstream education where appropriate.
Richard Quigley, MP for IW West, said: “After lobbying ministers for investment in local SEND provision, we’re unlocking money that was sitting idle and making sure it benefits families on the Island.
“SEND education and funding are among the top concerns raised by parents. I’m delighted that, following these efforts, families will start to see the system improve.”
Ashley Whittaker, the IW Council’s director of children’s services, said the council already had an extensive programme in place to expand specialist education provision so children can attend school within their communities wherever possible. . . .
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