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<p>The department is aware of the disparity which exists in the provision of special
educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support between different areas of the country
and has taken a number of steps to understand and address the issue.</p><p>For example,
we have recently announced an additional £700 million for children with SEND in 2020-21,
so every pupil can access the education that is right for them, and none are held
back from reaching their potential. This represents an increase of over 11% on the
funding available this year, bringing the total high needs funding budget to over
£7 billion.</p><p>We are analysing responses to a call for evidence about the SEND
and alternative provision financial arrangements in England. This will help us understand
how the current available funding is distributed, and what improvements could be made
in future.</p><p>We have also asked Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission to inspect
all local areas, over a 5 year period, on how effectively they are fulfilling their
duties for children and young people with SEND. Where any significant local weaknesses
are identified, the department’s SEND advisers work with NHS England to provide tailored
support and challenge to the local authority and Clinical Commissioning Groups. They
will also signpost them to funded training opportunities and resources delivered by
external contractors to maximise their impact. The local areas are revisited by Ofsted
and the Care Quality Commission to assess their progress over an 18 month period and
the department may initiate formal intervention activities in a local area where necessary.</p><p>On
6 September 2019, the government announced the launch of a cross-cutting review of
SEND provision, 5 years on from the launch of Children and Families Act 2014. The
review will include education, health and care, and will allow the department to revisit
consistency of support across different local areas and consider what further action
may be required.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
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