(UK) W. Bromwich to get $8.6M in SPED funds; Sandwell to get $2.6M in SPED funds

Mar 26, 2026, Express and Star: West Bromwich MP welcomes £6.5 million boost to special needs education

West Bromwich MP says £6.5 million [$8.6M] school funding will help pupils with special needs and disabilities

Schools in Sandwell are to receive an extra £2 million [$2.6M] to make it easier for schools with special needs and disabilities to attend their local schools.

The Government has allocated a total of £6.5 million to the authority, which West Bromwich MP Sarah Coombes hailed as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity to provide extra support to children and boost the confidence of parents.

She said it would allow more children and young people in West Bromwich to achieve and thrive at their local school. . . .

To qualify for the extra funding, Sandwell Council will be required to sign a written agreement to prioritise increasing places in mainstream schools.

Miss Coombes has written to Sandwell Council asking for more details on how it will use the money to create ‘inclusion bases’, quiet areas in mainstream schools for children who need a peaceful environment, as well as making buildings more accessible and creating extra places at special schools.

As part of the agreement, the authority will be required to reduce the number of children with special needs who need to travel long distances to school, and also to provide inclusion bases for every child who requires one.

Councils will also be required to use their allocations to ensure sufficient special schools and alternative places for children with the most complex needs.

Miss Coombes said: “From my experience speaking to parents and schools I know the system isn't working right now for students, for teachers, or for parents.

“Children should be able to get the right support closer to home rather than travelling miles away for their education.

“I'm delighted that this government has given record amounts of money to councils to fix the system, recognising that Sandwell is one of the places that needs it most.

 “Children in West Bromwich deserve the best start in life, and that's exactly what this money will help achieve.”

Under the deal, councils which choose to spend their funding on special school places will be required to set out a clear, evidence-based explanation as to why this would better respond to local needs.

Schools minister Georgia Gould said every school would have a bespoke environment that children with special needs and disabilities, and their families, could rely on.

“Inclusion is a choice, one this government is proud to make, and the funding we’re backing councils with today will help make it a reality,” she said.