The Department for Education has launched a national consultation on proposed changes to the £6,000 High Needs Threshold — the mechanism that determines how mainstream schools access SEND funding. The consultation is open until 18 September 2026, and the outcome could shape how children with SEND are supported in schools from 2027/28 onwards.

Under the proposals, local authorities would be able to introduce a local SEND inclusion formula, giving mainstream schools a greater share of SEND funding upfront. The aim is to help schools support children earlier, rather than relying so heavily on top‑up funding from the high needs budget.

This is a significant change, and parent carers may wish to engage with the consultation to ensure family experiences and concerns are heard.

What Could This Mean for Families?

From a parent carer perspective, the proposals bring both opportunities and risks.

Potential Opportunities

  • Earlier support in mainstream schools If schools receive more SEND funding upfront, they may be able to put support in place sooner, without waiting for lengthy funding applications.
  • Greater consistency A local inclusion formula could reduce variation in how schools access SEND funding, making the system clearer for families.

Potential Concerns

  • Will increased funding actually improve support? Families may worry that additional funding won’t automatically translate into better inclusion or more effective help.
  • Variation between local areas If each council designs its own formula, families could see differences in support depending on where they live.
  • Accountability and oversight Parent carers may want reassurance that SEND funding will be monitored effectively and used for its intended purpose.
  • Support for children with higher needs Families may question whether children requiring significant or specialist support will still receive timely and appropriate help.

Why Parent Carers May Want to Engage

This consultation directly affects how schools are funded to support children with SEND. Parent carers have lived experience of what works — and what doesn’t — in the current system. Engaging now ensures:

  • Family voices shape future funding decisions
  • Concerns about early intervention, inclusion and accountability are heard
  • The needs of children with higher levels of support are not overlooked
  • Buckinghamshire’s parent carer community contributes to national policy development

Your experiences matter, and this is a rare opportunity to influence how SEND funding is structured for years to come.

What FACT Bucks Will Be Doing

As Buckinghamshire’s Parent Carer Forum, FACT Bucks will:

  • Review the consultation proposals through a parent carer lens
  • Gather views from Buckinghamshire families on the potential impact
  • Raise awareness via our website, newsletter and social media
  • Discuss the proposals with Buckinghamshire Council and SEND partners
  • Consider submitting a FACT Bucks response reflecting local parent carer experiences
  • Attend the NNPCF Community of Practice session to hear further detail and ask questions

We will share updates, summaries and opportunities to get involved as the consultation progresses.

Have Your Say

Parent carers can respond individually to the DfE consultation, and we strongly encourage you to do so. Your insight is vital in shaping a funding system that works for all children and young people with SEND.