The Department for Education has approved Wolverhampton SEND Partnership's Reform Plan, recognising progress in supporting children and young people with additional needs in the city.
The approval confirms the partnership's approach aligns with the Government's national ambitions for SEND support. It also makes Wolverhampton City Council eligible to receive a High Needs Stability Grant, which will cover 90% of the council's accumulated overspend in this area up to the end of 2025/26.
What the funding means
Local partnerships across England were required to submit reform plans to the Government earlier this year, setting out how they would deliver reforms outlined in the Schools White Paper in February. Wolverhampton's plan has now passed that approval process.
The High Needs Stability Grant will help relieve financial pressures created by historic expenditure in SEND services, though this funding covers the deficit rather than providing new money for additional spending on SEND or other services.
Council response
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said the approval reflects "the hard work and commitment of staff, schools, health partners, parents and carers, and children and young people over the last few years."
She added: "We are committed to creating an inclusive and sustainable system where children and young people with SEND receive the right support, at the right time."
Coogan acknowledged that "demand for SEND support is continuing to rise both locally and nationally," and said the partnership would continue working to build "a SEND system that is inclusive, responsive and sustainable."
Have your say on the strategy
Consultation on Wolverhampton's draft All Means All SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2027 to 2029 continues until Sunday 8 November. To share your views, visit the SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2027-2029 page on the council website.