Lawmakers Demand Bigger, Protected SEND Budgets as UK Faces Funding Crisis
A group of UK lawmakers has urged the government to substantially increase and ring-fence funding for special educational needs and disability (SEND) support in schools, arguing that current budgets fail to reflect growing demand and rising costs.
The cross-party group, largely composed of Labour MPs, wants school funding to be directly linked to the actual level of need and insulated from inflation, as ministers prepare major reforms to SEND policy in England. This comes amid concerns that the system is under financial strain, with councils warning that soaring SEND costs could push local authorities into deficit without additional support and sustainable financing.
The Department for Education says overall school funding is increasing, including extra money aimed at improving outcomes for pupils with special needs. However, expenses tied to SEND, such as specialist support and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) continue to outpace available resources, prompting calls for clearer, need-based funding formulas.
Critics argue that without proper financial safeguards and increased investment, reforms risk reducing access to crucial services for vulnerable children. A key concern is that any perceived cutbacks could erode parental confidence and make early and effective SEND support harder to secure.
Comparing SEND funding in the UK and Nigeria
In England, SEND provision is embedded within a structured education system backed by statutory rights such as EHCPs, yet rising costs have pushed many local councils toward budget pressures, with some forecasting a multibillion-pound funding gap if trends continue.
By contrast, Nigeria’s education system struggles with limited and inconsistent funding for special needs education, leaving many learners without the support they require. Government allocations to special education programmes are often small and dispersed, and many schools lack essential specialised equipment, trained teachers, and adaptive learning resources. While the federal Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has a dedicated special needs intervention fund, many states have historically failed to access allocated grants, further undermining effective delivery.
Experts note that, unlike the UK where SEND spending is a major part of education planning, Nigeria has yet to institutionalise robust, adequately financed frameworks specifically for special needs learners. This results in significant disparities in access and quality, especially between urban and rural areas.
Campaigners say that aligning funding with need, improving teacher training, and prioritising inclusive policies are essential no matter the system but resource gaps in Nigeria remain a formidable barrier that demands urgent, sustained government commitment.
For ongoing coverage of education policies and advocacy in Africa, visit AfriGlobal News – Education.
Further insights on England’s SEND reforms and consultation processes can be found on the UK Department for Education website.
