12 Oct 2026
Funding to reduce historic SEND deficits will ease pressure on council finances. For rural families, the key test is whether approved plans lead to better access to support.
The Department for Education (DfE) has approved more than 90% of local reform plans for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), according to confirmation reported by Schools Week.
Approval allows eligible councils to receive a High Needs Stability Grant covering 90% of their eligible Dedicated Schools Grant deficits built up by 31 March 2026. The Government has projected support worth more than £5 billion nationally. This addresses past overspending rather than providing a new budget for services.
What Does This Mean For Rural Families?
Some approved plans aim to bring support closer to home. Oxfordshire, for example, plans to recruit educational psychologists and therapists, strengthen provision in mainstream schools and organise support through local teams.
For rural communities, delivery will need to account for travel distances, access to specialist staff and the availability of suitable local provision.
Transport remains a separate financial pressure. SEND home-to-school transport costs fall on councils’ general budgets, outside the Dedicated Schools Grant.
The Public Accounts Committee has also warned that the new SEND funding arrangements from 2028/29 do not cover transport costs, highlighting the impact of declining rural bus services on travel options.
The People Keeping Communities Moving
Community transport responds to local needs through services such as community minibuses, accessible vehicles and volunteer car schemes.
Behind each service are people organising bookings, supporting passengers, maintaining vehicles and giving their time to drive. Their work helps people remain independent and involved in community life.
But CTA warns that providers face pressures around funding, rising costs, volunteering, driver recruitment and licensing. This week is therefore also a chance to show decision-makers what services need to keep running.
Councils That Have Announced Approval
The following councils have announced approval of their SEND reform plans. This is a partial list drawn from council announcements, rather than a complete list published by the DfE. Approval does not mean that payment has been made, and the amounts announced remain indicative or approximate.
- Cheshire East (RSN Member)
- Devon (RSN Member)
- Dorset
- East Sussex
- Essex (RSN Member)
- Oxfordshire (RSN Member)
- Peterborough
- South Gloucestershire
- Staffordshire (RSN Member)
- Worcestershire
What Happens Next?
Councils must still meet the remaining share of their historic deficits. Details of support for new deficits arising in 2026/27 and 2027/28 are due before temporary accounting arrangements end in March 2028.
For rural families, progress will mean timely assessments, accessible specialist support and education provision that meets each child’s needs. Financial relief provides a stronger foundation, but delivery is what will make the difference.
