Future of transfers from schools to SEND funding

Schools Week have reported that the DfE is considering changes to a controversial policy that allows councils to transfer funds from schools funding into SEND funding.

Over 20 councils were given DfE permission to transfer a combined £75.5 million from mainstream school budgets to the high–needs block in 2026-27.

The highest transfer was 1.2% (£16.5m) and at the lower end of the table Devon transferred 0.5% (£2.93m). The Devon Education Forum (DEF) refused the request which the DfE then overruled. Headteachers are demanding the government scrap the cash transfers, in light of its plans to wipe most of councils’ existing SEND deficits.

It appears that 18 other councils had approved a transfer of up to 0.5 per cent without the need for government approval, one application to the DfE from Somerset was refused, while schools forums refused 11 requests.

Would you like to be part of the Devon Education Forum (DEF)? DAG are looking for governors and trustees to be part of this group, if you would like more information please see DEF Election Notice for more details.