(UK) Lincs: Schools to get $6.2M for SPED; more funds expected

April 24, 2026, Lincs Online: Lincolnshire schools to get more cash for special educational needs

Schools are set to receive additional funding to tackle special educational needs pressures - but education chiefs say this is only a short-term fix.

Members of Lincolnshire County Council’s (LCC) schools’ forum were told that schools across the area are set to receive a share of an additional £4.6 million [$6.2M] in government funding to tackle special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) cost pressures.

But education bosses say this is not enough and they need to work with schools to develop longer-term solutions to tackle the rise in SEND pupils across the county.

At a meeting on Thursday April 23, Martin Smith, assistant director of children's education at LCC, said that the Government is expected to allocate the additional money to support schools in Lincolnshire to accommodate more SEND pupils.

The funding covers a three-year spending period and can be used for schools to adapt with high-quality teaching and learning environments.

Mr Smith also told the forum that the Government has published a White Paper outlining a ten-year plan to reduce the additional cost pressures which many schools face as a result of the rise in SEND pupils across the country.

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He added: “The schools White Paper sets out ambitions to raise attainment and attendance, reduce disadvantage, strengthen belonging and engagement and invest in the workforce.

“Schools are expected to use funding more strategically and transparently, including pupil premium to demonstrate measurable impact.”

Mr Smith went on to say that the Government has also published a SEND reform Green Paper. This seeks for SEND pupils to receive specialist educational plans so that more can be educated in mainstream schools.

He added: “The SEND reform green paper proposes a redesigned system, including a statutory universal offer delivered by all, schools delivering individual support plans before entering the EHCP (Education, health and care plan) system and a three-tier model of support. . .