A huge spike in demand for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) looks set to cause a council to go £50 million over its budget, bosses have warned.
Education chiefs say there has been a rise in the number of SEND pupils in Lincolnshire’s schools as well as an increase in complex cases. They say this is partly to blame for a forecast overspend of £53.4 million for its schools budget in 2026/27, writes Local Democracy Report Oliver Castle.
At a Lincolnshire County Council schools forum meeting on Thursday, October 8, Martin McKeown, headteacher at Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School, was concerned by the figures.
He said: “It just seems to be an alarming rate that at some point somebody’s going to have to account for that amount of money.”
Lizzie Bowes, strategic finance manager at LCC, said: “While these figures are significant, it is important to recognise that they largely reflect demand-led pressures, more children and young people require support, needs are becoming increasingly complex and the cost of provision continues to rise at a faster rate than available funding.
“As a result, short-term financial solutions alone will not resolve the issue – long-term system reform is required.
“The council continues to respond to its SEND strategy and inclusive ambition.
“Work is underway with schools and partners to strengthen inclusive practice, improve early intervention, build capacity in mainstream settings and ensure that children receive the right support at the earliest opportunity.
“The aim is to improve outcomes for children and young people whilst reducing reliance on costly specialist provision where needs can be met locally.”
