UK government approves SEND reform grants for Devon and Isle of Wight

The UK government has approved reform plans for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services in Devon and the Isle of Wight, resulting in significant grant allocations to address historic funding deficits.

Devon County Council is set to receive a £191 million High Needs Stability Grant. This funding is intended to cover 90 per cent of the council’s Dedicated Schools Grant deficit accrued up to the end of the 2025/26 financial year. The grant focuses on addressing historic expenditure and the costs of financing the deficit rather than funding new services.

The Isle of Wight will receive an indicative grant of approximately £14.46 million to ease funding pressures and support reforms. The island’s three-year plan aims to create a more inclusive and preventative system by improving school attendance, increasing support within mainstream schools, and reducing exclusions. Key initiatives include the development of an ‘Experts at Hand’ model and expanding specialist provision to ensure support is provided closer to home.