For many parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), finding the right school support can feel like an exhausting uphill battle.
This week, the government announced a £3bn investment aimed at creating 50,000 additional SEND places in mainstream schools across England over the next three years. On the surface, it sounds like a major step forward – but what does it actually mean for families?
Why More SEND Places Are Needed
Nearly 1.7 million pupils in England now receive SEND support, and that number continues to rise. Councils, schools and parents have been warning for years that the system is under severe strain.
Many families face:
- Long waits for assessments and EHCPs
- Children travelling far from home to access suitable provision
- Mainstream schools struggling to meet needs without specialist spaces or staff
In some cases, children miss months – even years – of education while parents fight for support.
What the Funding Is Intended to Do
Rather than building large numbers of new schools, the government plans to redirect funding from some cancelled free school projects into adapting existing schools.
This could include:
- Specialist SEND units within mainstream schools
- Quiet breakout spaces for children who feel overwhelmed
- Resource hubs for pupils with autism, ADHD or speech and language needs
- More local provision, reducing the need for long journeys
For parents, this focus on local, community-based support is a key positive.
Why Location Matters So Much
Councils currently spend vast sums transporting SEND pupils long distances each day. Beyond the cost, this has a real impact on children’s wellbeing.
When support is available closer to home:
- Children stay connected to their community
- School days are less tiring and stressful
- Families feel less isolated
For many parents, the hope is simple: support earlier, support locally, support properly.
Buildings Aren’t Enough on Their Own
While the funding has been welcomed, school leaders and SEND charities have been clear on one thing: spaces alone won’t fix the system.
What children really need is:
- Specialist teachers
- Teaching assistants with SEND training
- Speech and language therapists
- Consistent, joined-up support
Without enough trained staff, new SEND spaces risk becoming rooms without the expertise to make a real difference.
The EHCP Reality for Parents
Behind every policy announcement are families who have already been through the system – often at great personal cost.
Many parents describe the EHCP process as:
- Confusing
- Emotionally draining
- Unequal, favouring those with time, confidence or legal support
Too often, help arrives only after a child has already fallen out of education. Earlier intervention could prevent many of these struggles altogether.
A Step Forward – With Cautious Optimism
This investment has the potential to improve life for thousands of children – if it is delivered thoughtfully and fairly.
Parents will be watching closely to see:
- Whether support reaches the areas that need it most
- How quickly new places are created
- Whether families are involved in shaping local provision
For SEND families, trust has been hard-earned.
What Parents Can Do Now
If your child has SEND or you’re concerned they may need support:
- Ask your school how SEND provision may change locally
- Stay informed about council consultations in your area
- Keep records of support needs early – even before formal diagnosis
Progress in SEND education rarely happens overnight, but sustained pressure, transparency and collaboration matter.
At Walnut Learning, we believe every child deserves timely, compassionate support – not a fight for access. Funding announcements are important, but it’s what happens in classrooms, corridors and communities that will truly shape outcomes for children and families.