Cash boost for Send services in Haringey

New government grant and council investment brings £15m of extra support

Haringey Council’s children’s services department in Wood Green

A fresh government grant has helped boost capital spending on new facilities for Haringey Council’s special education needs and disabilities (Send) service.

The Department for Education (DfE) have allocated £2.7m to Haringey Council as part of its ‘high needs capital provision allocation’ to enhance educational support for children across the borough.

The significant financial boost will create up to 50 additional education places for children with a range of special educational needs and disabilities.

This latest grant is in addition to a £12.4m capital allocation approved by the council’s cabinet last year and will complement an ongoing programme to support more children into mainstream schools, with six new resource provisions expected to be delivered over the next five years.

The initial funding is already enabling the development of six new capital projects, creating 118 in-borough Send places, significantly reducing the need for out-of-area placements, with two of these built and operating from this academic school year.

In April this year, Haringey received the highest possible rating for delivering high-quality Send services, following a joint area inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

However, the council is struggling to control spending on the service amid soaring demand, amid warnings this week over a potential £20m total budget overspend.

Zena Brabazon, cabinet member for children, schools, and families at Haringey Council, said: “We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for every child and young person in the borough, regardless of their abilities or challenges.

“The recent funding allocation will enable us to expand local, high-quality support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send), making a significant impact on our community and reinforcing our commitment to improving educational outcomes for all.

“By enhancing academic achievement, developing social skills, and boosting self-esteem, we are ensuring that the next generation of Haringey receive the best possible start in their education. We are proud to be part of this essential initiative.”

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