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£4 billion investment for SEND in schools as major reforms announced

ended 23. February 2026

The government has unveiled a landmark £4 billion investment towards children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), it has been announced. 

To rebuild parents’ confidence and make sure every child with SEND gets the support they deserve, today’s investment includes a new Inclusive Mainstream Fund of £1.6 bn over three years, provided directly to early years, schools and colleges to make sure children get support where and when they need it.

In addition, for the children who need a little extra help, the government will fund a new ‘Experts at Hand’ service, investing £1.8 bn over three years to create a bank of specialists like SEND teachers and speech and language therapist in every local area.

The investment – on top of a record increase for high needs of £3.5 billion in 2028/29 over and above Autumn Budget 25 funding – paves the way for generational reforms, creating a sustainable SEND system that transforms outcomes for children with SEND and will end a one size fits all approach.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "I’ve heard first hand the struggles and exhaustion faced by too many parents who feel they have to fight the system to get their child the support they need. But getting the right support should never be a battle – it should be a given.

"That means no more ‘one size fits all’ system that only serves children who fit the mould. Instead, families will get tailored support built around their child’s individual needs, available on their doorstep. Whatever their background, wherever they live - this government will do right by every child."

  • What is your reaction to the new SEND plan? Will the new plans fix the issues around SEND, or make it worse?
  • Is £4 billion enough, or is it a drop in the ocean? Or is it overspending at a time when the UK needs to be careful over our spending?
  • Any other thoughts?

Responses asap.

2 responses from the Newspage community

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Riz Malik
Independent Financial Adviser at R3 Wealth
As a former Chair of Trustees for a multi academy trust, this is very welcome news. SEND provision in schools has needed meaningful investment for many years. If this funding delivers earlier support and more specialist resources, it should lead to better outcomes for children who need it most. That can only be a positive step forward but should only be the start.
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Gosia Dawson
Director at Glade Financial
As a parent of an autistic child, I welcome the recognition that the SEND system isn’t working for many families. Too often, support is only available once a child reaches a crisis point, leaving those with genuine but less severe needs falling through the cracks.

£4 billion sounds substantial, but spread nationally over three years, it risks being absorbed by backlogs and rising demand. Funding alone won’t fix structural issues around assessments, thresholds and accountability.

Early intervention is not a cost; it’s an investment. If this reform shifts support earlier and locally, it could be transformative. If not, parents may still find themselves fighting the system, just under a new funding banner.