The funding of SEN, a case study
Borough of Bournemouth
The funding for children with SEN and disabilities is delivered in different ways to the community through mainstream and special schools. Budgets for provision are based on the previous budgets and trends in population. Every year the government sets a budget for children with SEN. This is agreed through Schools Forum, a decision making body representing a wide range of schools.
Taking the Borough of Bournemouth as an example, the funding set aside for SEN is given out in the following way:
(a) Some money is given out for the mainstream schools to use
(b) Two special schools are funded and two units attached to mainstream schools in the Borough
(c) A sum is held back to give out to mainstream schools for particular pupils with particular severe needs
(d) Some very specialist placements are bought for Independent and non-maintained special schools
(e) Nearly one million pounds was spent on transport to get children to and from special schools.
This is the calculation provided by the Borough of Bournemouth:
(a) SEN / AEN mainstream delegated |
£7,313,987 |
(b) Delegated to special schools and units |
£4,445,282 |
(c) In borough SEN budget (TA) |
£1,320,000 |
(d) Independent NM special |
£2,684,800 |
(e) SEN transport |
£980,000 |
|
|
|
£16,744,069 |
“Generally special school placements are more expensive because there is a much higher staff: student ratio. They can be as high as £170,000 per year in very specialist schools. However, a placement in a mainstream school, if there is also a big “package” of support may cost more than many special school placements. Obviously we try to ensure that we are spending money wisely, but some children do need very expensive provision.”
- Graham Davies, Principal Educational Psychologist & SEN Inclusion Manager in the Borough of Bournemouth, on the difference in funding the special schools and facilities for support of SEN in mainstream schools.
