The Government has given a vote of confidence in Devon’s progress on SEND, approving the county council’s reform plan and announcing an indicative £191m grant to repay 90% of the council’s accumulated overspend on SEND up to the end of 2025/26.
The Department for Education and Department of Health and Social Care said it recognised the progress made by partners across education, health and local government in developing a shared plan to improve support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The approval means Devon County Council is eligible to receive a High Needs Stability Grant covering 90 per cent of its Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit accrued up to the end of the 2025-26 financial year, with an indicative allocation of £191.3 million, subject to final confirmation.
The grant relates to historic expenditure that has already been incurred through Devon’s DSG deficit and the costs associated with financing it. It is not additional funding available for new SEND services or other council spending.
Ministers said the approval recognises the commitment shown by Devon’s local area partnership to reform and provides a foundation from which it can move into the delivery phase of its improvement programme.
Councillor Denise Bickley, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for SEND, said:
“This is a significant moment for Devon and a strong vote of confidence in the improvement journey we have been on.
“It has been a long road to get to this stage and there have been difficult days alongside the successes. Throughout that journey, our focus has remained firmly on improving support and outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.
“Government’s approval of our reform plan recognises the hard work and commitment of staff, schools, health partners, parent carers and everyone involved in driving improvement across Devon. It recognises we have developed a strong plan for improvement and are making progress in the right direction.
“Our partnership with government has been an important part of that journey. We have welcomed both the support and challenge we have received and appreciate the confidence ministers have shown in our plans.
“While this announcement is very welcome, we know there is more to do. We are only part of the way along the improvement road but this is telling us clearly that we are going in the right direction – we have done a huge amount to get the foundations strong so now we need to pick up the pace. Approval of the plan is an important milestone, but we must now continue to demonstrate successful delivery and tangible improvements for children, young people and families.
“Demand for SEND services continues to grow nationally and sustained government investment in schools, health partners and early years services, combined with curriculum restructuring and Ofsted judging schools by their ability to be inclusive, will be essential if local areas are to continue improving support over the long term.”
Councillor James Buczkowski, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Public Value, said the announcement could significantly improve the council’s financial position.
“This is a significant announcement for Devon because it addresses historic SEND expenditure and the financial pressures associated with carrying and financing the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit,” he said.
“It is important to be clear that this is not £191.3 million of new funding available to spend on SEND services or any other council service. The grant would cover 90 per cent of the accumulated DSG deficit up to the end of 2025-26, helping to relieve the financial pressures created by that historic expenditure.
“We are now assessing the implications in more detail. While it is too early to quantify the impact, this has the potential to make a significant difference to the council’s financial position through reducing the costs associated with financing the deficit.
“We welcome the Government’s recognition of the work undertaken by Devon’s local area partnership and look forward to continuing our improvement journey.”
