Somerset Council has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing children’s well-being in decisions concerning special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) funding.
The demand for SEND support has consistently exceeded government funding, with Somerset Council’s dedicated schools grant (DSG) forecasted to reach £116 million by the end of this financial year. Earlier this year, the Department for Education (DfE) announced it would cover 90% of the council’s in-year DSG deficit, while the remaining balance will be deferred until April 2028 through a statutory override arrangement.
In response, Somerset Council developed a deficit management plan that includes a variety of measures aimed at reducing current expenses and controlling future demand for SEND resources.
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At a recent executive committee meeting in Taunton, SEND pupil Daisy-May Baker from Bridgwater directly addressed councillors with a vital question: “How are young people’s voices being included in decisions about the dedicated schools grant when those decisions affect our education, well-being, and futures?”
Daisy-May, accompanied by her mother Sarah, received a heartfelt response from Councillor Heather Shearer, portfolio holder for children, families, and education. Councillor Shearer praised Daisy-May’s question and emphasized the council’s dedication to ensuring children’s perspectives are central to decision-making processes.
“We must involve children in shaping the services designed for them,” Councillor Shearer said. “We have multiple channels to hear from young people, including a youth forum that discusses various topics online, and groups dedicated to children in care as well as care leavers.”
For children with SEND, specific platforms enable them to express their needs regarding education, care, and support. One such group is the Unstoppables, primarily for young people over 13. More recently, the council has extended outreach to younger children with SEND within their schools.
Councillor Shearer acknowledged a current gap regarding children with SEND who are not attending school, noting the council’s intention to develop listening groups to better understand their needs.
Additionally, every two years, the council conducts a comprehensive survey engaging over 5,000 children to gather insights on health, well-being, and education experiences—an initiative planned to continue.
The council further detailed a range of projects within the deficit management plan aimed at reducing costs and managing demand while continuing to meet statutory SEND obligations.
Through these efforts, Somerset Council pledges to ensure that children’s voices remain at the forefront of shaping SEND provision and funding decisions in the community.