Melanie champions biggest single funding allocation to deliver more places for children with SEND

More children and young people in Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes will be able to achieve and thrive at their local school, as the Labour government allocates the first round of more than £3bn to create inclusive classrooms across the country.

Around £860 million will be allocated to councils in England to create more inclusive physical spaces and drive the expansion of Inclusion Bases, so that early specialist support becomes part of the fabric of mainstream schools. North East Lincolnshire is set to receive £2,770,027, an increase of £256,134 compared to last year.

To make sure all children and families in Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes can benefit from truly inclusive schools, North East Lincolnshire Council will be required to sign a written agreement to prioritise increasing places in mainstream schools.

By signing the agreement, North East Lincolnshire Council will need to adopt inclusive strategies that support positive outcomes for children, like reducing the number of children with SEND who need to travel long distances to school, and making sure every child who needs a place in an Inclusion Base can access one. Importantly, councils should also use their allocation to ensure sufficient special school and AP places for children and young people with the most complex needs, reflecting the vital role these settings play in providing support for some of the most vulnerable children.

Schools Minister, Georgia Gould said:

“Just last month, we set out once-in-a-generation SEND reforms we’re now acting quickly to deliver the changes that make sure more children can thrive at their local school, with their friends.

“Inclusion is a choice, one this government is proud to make, and the funding we’re backing councils with today will help make it a reality.

“Every school can, and will, have a bespoke environment that children with SEND – and their families - can rely on, ultimately rebuilding trust in the system and transforming outcomes for young people”

Melanie Onn, Member of Parliament for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes said:

“From my local roundtables with families with experience of the SEND system, I know parents want their child to get the right support closer to home rather than having to travel long distances to get the education they deserve.

“This Labour government is investing to make that a reality, providing North East Lincolnshire Council with £2,770,027 to create specialist places and training up teachers to meet a range of needs.

“Brick by brick, Labour is building an education system where every child in Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes can achieve and thrive.”