SEND funding and autumn white paper announced

2 mins read

Friday 13 June 2025

This advice applies in England only.

On Wednesday the Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her spending review to parliament.

Reeves announced additional funding for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including the expansion of free school meals to all households getting Universal Credit.

Anna Bird, Contact’s CEO, responded to the spending review on behalf of the Disabled Children’s Partnership, said:

“We welcome the Chancellor’s investment in children with SEND in England, as long as that cash reaches those children. Ministers have a once-in-a-generation chance to give every child the same opportunity to learn while saving the country long-term costs. The detail of how this money is spent now is crucial. It must be focused on the frontline, equipping mainstream and special schools to allow all children to thrive.

“Investment alone won’t solve the SEND crisis in England. So we welcome the Government’s confirmation that it will publish a White Paper in the autumn, ending the speculation about its plans for SEND reform.

“These proposals need to set out the robust legal safeguards we need to make sure councils, schools, nurseries, colleges and health services act earlier to embed the support children need. Those that fail should face consequences.

“We look forward to working with government to ensure there is wide and meaningful engagement with parents and young people in advance of the Schools White Paper and on the proposals once published this Autumn.

“We will continue to seek reassurance that the right investment will come with legal teeth for schools to prioritise early help, and to make sure no young person who needs an individual, legally guaranteed plan will lose that protection.

Photo credit: Kirsty O’Connor / Treasury