Cash boost to help change kids’ lives
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HALTON will receive half a million pounds over four years as part of a boost to transform the lives of children in the borough with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities.
The borough will be able to invest £500,000 between 201819 and 2020-21 after funds were announced by vulnerable children and families minister Edward Timpson.
Nearly £167,000 will be available in each of the three municipal years in Runcorn and Widnes.
A Department For Education (DFE) spokesman said it will allow the council to ‘expand and improve’ their special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.
The spokesman said that councils will be free to invest the funding as they see fit, to help children and young people with education, health and care plans to receive a high-quality education.
The investment can used in academies, free schools, grammar schools, special units, special schools, early years settings, further education colleges, and other provision for children and young people aged up to 25.
Mr Timpson said: “This Government is determined to build a country that works for everyone – a country where every child has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of their background, and any challenges they may face.
“We’ve already made the biggest changes for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities in a generation, but we want to go further and build on that success.
“Our multi-million pound investment will enable local councils to build new classrooms and improve facilities for pupils, ensuring that no child is left behind.”
The funds are part of a £215m funding boost.
They could be used to build new specialised classrooms for children with emotional, social and mental health difficulties, expand existing facilities to increase their size for those using mobility aids, purchase mobility equipment and even create new storage facilities for wheelchairs.
The DFE spokesman added: “Councils will be expected to consult with local parents, carers, schools, and others on how their funding should be used.
“They will be required to publish a short plan showing how they will be spending the funding.
“This new fund follows the £23m that has already been recently allocated to local authorities to support them to review their provision for children and young people with SEN and disabilities and make strategic plans to get the best outcomes.”