Peterborough Council Eligible for £9.8 Million Grant After SEND Reform Plan Approved

The decision was announced on 5 October 2026 and allows local education, health and council partners to move towards delivering a three-year improvement programme.

The funding is intended to address historic financial pressures associated with support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

What has the government approved?

Peterborough's reform plan was commissioned in March 2026.

It has been developed by partners across education, health, social care and local government, drawing on the experiences of families, schools and other organisations.

The plan focuses on improving mainstream inclusion, strengthening early intervention and bringing services together more effectively around children and their communities.

The council says a locality-based approach will form an important part of its future delivery model.

How much funding is involved?

Government approval means Peterborough City Council is eligible for a High Needs Stability Grant with an indicative value of £9.8 million.

The grant would cover 90% of the council's accumulated Dedicated Schools Grant deficit up to the end of the 2025/26 financial year.

The final allocation is subject to the council's audited financial outturn and written confirmation from the government.

Payment was expected on 30 November 2026 at the time of the announcement.

The distinction between historical financial support and new services is important.

The proposed grant is intended to address an existing deficit. It should not be described as an additional £9.8 million immediately available for new classroom staff, school places or frontline support.

Why does SEND funding matter?

Local authorities have faced increasing financial pressures relating to special educational needs provision.

Councils must work with education and health partners to meet statutory responsibilities, including arranging appropriate support where children have assessed needs.

The costs associated with specialist provision, placements and transport can place significant demands on local authority budgets.

The approval of Peterborough's plan is intended to support financial stability while encouraging improvements in how services are delivered.

What happens next?

The council and its partners must turn the three-year reform programme into practical improvements.

For families, success will depend on whether children receive suitable support at the right time, rather than solely on improvements to council finances.

The important measures will include access to services, the effectiveness of early intervention and the experiences of children and parents using the system.

Keep Updated UK will follow the delivery of Peterborough's reform plan and the confirmation of the final grant allocation.