The Government has agreed to review SEND funding for the East Riding following Graham's question in Parliament this week.
Data from the f40 group, of which Graham was previously the Vice Chair, shows that the East Riding receives the lowest allocation of High Needs Block funding per pupil of any local authority in England.
That’s why during Education Questions Graham asked the Secretary of State, Bridget Phillipson MP, to increase the High Needs Block funding per pupil allocation in the East Riding so it is in line with the rest of the UK.
In response, the Secretary of State agreed that the funding local authorities receive for SEND provision needs to be reviewed to deliver a system where all children and young people can thrive.
Following a further question from neighbouring MP Charlie Dewhirst, the Minister of State for School Standards Catherine McKinnell agreed to meet all East Riding MPs to discuss how to create a system which ensures that schools have the funding they require to give every child the best possible start in life. Graham looks forward to meeting the Minister and colleagues to find a solution that will benefit SEND pupils across Beverley and Holderness.
Graham said: “Every child deserves the best start in life and it is vital that schools and colleges have the resources they need to give them this. That’s why both Charlie and I made the case to the Secretary of State for the need to increase the High Needs Block funding allocated to our area. We look forward to meeting the Minister soon to discuss this important matter further."
Charlie Dewhirst, Member of Parliament for Bridlington and the Wolds, commented: “I’m determined to give every child in the East Riding the tools they need to succeed. That’s why I’m working closely with Graham to ensure the Government increases the level of SEND funding schools desperately need. I look forward to meeting the Minister and working with both her and Graham to find a solution to this vital issue.”
