Targeted SEND funding – schools
As previously communicated, we are working with stakeholders to review Targeted SEND funding to ensure it has maximum impact for our children and young people with SEND.
Proposals of the changes to Targeted SEND funding will be put forward to School’s Forum in October 2025, and further information regarding the changes will be communicated to partners following this date with an anticipated introduction of changes in January 2026.
Any funding applications made from June 2025 onwards will be awarded until December 2025. All existing applications will be honoured and will cease on the previously agreed date.
The key principles for the funding of higher needs pupils are
- funding for high needs provision is to be arranged on an equivalent basis across different types of providers, including maintained or academy schools
- this includes pupils and students with high needs in the school or academy, further education and alternative provision sectors
- a 'place-plus' approach to funding in specialist settings is being adopted
Apply for targeted SEND funding
The first time you complete a new form you will be asked to create a personal account. You will then be able to view your saved and completed forms once logged in.
If you experience any problems accessing forms, for schools applications, please contact the Education Funding Team on [email protected].
Interim process
Requests will continue to be reviewed at a monthly multi-disciplinary panel. The cut-off for inclusion is a working week prior to panel.
Dates are being updated on the website shortly. However, they are currently tentatively scheduled as follows:
- July panel – Wednesday 23 July
- September panel – Friday 26 September
- October panel – Thursday 23 October
Outcomes will be communicated within 10 days of the panel’s conclusion.
There are updated Terms of Reference, including the bandings of possible funding award as well as documentation that must be included in the application and uploaded. This includes a fully costed, individualised provision map.
If there is insufficient information provided, this will not be requested but the application declined.
The Targeted SEND Funding Panel meets monthly during term-time. They will consider applications from schools for high needs funding for children without an education, health and care plan (EHCP). Each application is discussed to determine whether the child meets high needs criteria in line with the SEN Ranges.
There are two decision types:
- the child meets the criteria for high needs funding
- the child does not meet the criteria for high needs funding
Decisions are notified to schools via email within 10 working days from the panel date, the decision notification confirms the funding period and the amount to be funded.
West Northamptonshire Council - Targeted SEND funding panel meeting dates 2023 to 2024
| Panel dates | Schools decisions notification date |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | Wednesday 23 July |
| September 2025 | Friday 26 September |
| October 2025 | Thursday 23 October |
All panel decisions will be sent out via Egress secure email to the email address provided on the application form. Completed applications can be submitted at any time and will be considered in date order, at the closest panel meeting date with capacity.
Please note that applications must be checked and prepared and that panel members require at least 5 working days to review applications prior to the panel meeting. Applications submitted close to a panel date will therefore be submitted to the next panel.
Schools funding decisions will be notified within 10 working days of the panel date and will outline a start and finish date.
Further guidance
Existing arrangements will continue at their current level for the duration of the approved period until that period expires.
The document fulfils a Department for Education requirement for each local authority to explain the special educational needs provision it expects to be made from within a mainstream school's budget share. It clearly explains the provision for pupils from early years settings and schools and will form part of the Local Offer.
The document should be used as required to inform good practice and support effective provision for pupils with special educational needs.
e-mail: [email protected]
From 01 September 2024, targeted SEND funding will be strongly aligned with the SEND Ranges. The implementation of the SEND Ranges by mainstream schools is a mandatory condition of the additional funding.
Funding scale
Funding will support SEND Ranges 4a, 4b, 5, 6 and 7 from 01 September. This new funding scale replaces the current funding (which has a maximum level of £6,000).
- SEND Range 1 = £0.00
- SEND Range 2 = £0.00
- SEND Range 3 = £0.00
- SEND Range 4a = Up to £4,000
- SEND Range 4b = Up to £6,000
- SEND Range 5 = Up to £8,000
- SEND Range 6 = Up to £8,000
- SEND Range 7 = Up to £8,000
Last updated 30 June 2025