July 22, 2021, Oxford Mail: Oxfordshire County Council agrees top-up in SEND funding https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/19458144.oxfordshire-county-council-agrees-top-up-send-funding/ S. England
A TOP-UP of £3.2 million [$4.4M U.S.] has been agreed to fund SEND (special educational needs and disability) services in Oxfordshire schools.
The county council’s cabinet met on Tuesday to sign off the cash, with the council’s SEND budget currently standing at a deficit of £11.7 million [$16.1M]
Deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Liz Brighouse, said this could rise to £20 million [$28M] by next spring.
She warned at the meeting this problem was not just a local one, but a national concern.
“Unless we all work together, we won’t get the best for our children,” she said.
“The big problem we’ve got is we need to move quite quickly….
“We really need to get beyond where we are now.”…
Mrs Brighouse also highlighted the need for a Government review to come to fruition….
Mrs Brighouse said: “Our children in our schools are desperate for this SEND review, and yet they’re being neglected.
“We need this review to make sure our children are being looked after and receive the support they need.” …
The £3.2 million increase will only be available for the 2021/22 academic year. …
Comments