East Riding of Yorkshire Council is backing a campaign by the f40 group for increased and fairer education funding and reforms to SEND provision.
The f40 group, which campaigns on behalf of 43 local authorities across the country, is running a campaign week from Monday 19 January, campaigning for bold change and additional, fairer funding within the anticipated Schools White Paper and SEND reforms, which will be published by Government this year.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is a part of the f40 group and is the lowest funded Local Authority in the country for SEND. East Riding receives £18 million less funding per year than the average local authority for SEND provision. Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education has been lobbying government for fairer funding for a number of years.
Councillor Aitken said: “The figures really do speak for themselves. The difference between what East Riding receives, as the lowest funded authority, and the average authority is truly staggering.
“We want to be able to give every child the support they need and deserve, no matter where they live or what challenges they face. We want government to be bold and brave with education reforms.
“Our council, along with East Yorkshire Parent Carer Forum, our local MPs and Headteachers welcome and support this campaign week to once again raise this important issue and push for reforms that deliver lasting improved change and fairer funding for our schools and families.”
f40 calls for schools to be sufficiently funded, resourced, equipped, and supported to ensure children and young people reach their potential, with early intervention, inclusion, and accountability prioritised.
f40 is campaigning for –
- A review of core SEND funding
- Improved SEND resources, guidance and teacher training in every mainstream school
- Greater accountability for inclusion in mainstream schools, along with a greater focus on inclusion during school inspections
- Greater regulation and scrutiny of the independent SEND sector, including around value-for-money
- Improved clarity around expected ordinarily available SEND provision and support
For more information about f40, and to view funding graphs that show the disparity in education funding across all local authorities in England, go to: www.f40.org.uk/
