In Croydon, schools and the local authority work together to make sure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the right support to help them learn, grow, and thrive.

This section explains how SEND funding works in Croydon, including where the money comes from, how it is used, and how it supports children and young people both with and without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). 

In Croydon, SEND funding in schools comes from three main sources, often called Elements 1, 2 and 3.

Element 1 - Core Budget:

This is the main funding every school receives based on the number of pupils attending (called 'per pupil entitlement'). It covers the general running costs of the school, including teaching staff, building maintenance, and school resources.

It also covers the cost of having a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and general staff training for inclusive education.

Element 2 - Notional SEND Budget:

This is money specifically given to schools to support pupils with additional needs, including SEND. Every school receives a Notional SEND Budget each year. The amount is decided using a formula based on indicators such as pupil numbers and needs - not just on how many children are already identified with SEND.

Schools use this funding to:

• Provide extra support and interventions
  
• Offer resources or specialist equipment
  
• Support a wide range of needs, including communication, sensory, physical, and learning difficulties
  

Schools are expected to provide up to £6,000 worth of additional support for pupils with the highest level of need before applying for further funding.

Element 3 - High Needs Block (Top-Up Funding):

This is additional funding provided by Croydon Council for children and young people whose needs cannot be fully met through Elements 1 and 2. In most cases, children receiving Element 3 funding will have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Top-up funding supports personalised provision, and the amount can vary depending on the child’s specific needs and changes over time. This funding follows the pupil if they move to a different school.

The High Needs Block also funds:

• Special schools and Enhanced Learning Provisions (ELPs)
  
• Specialist nursery places
  
• Services like the Croydon Sensory Support Service for pupils with hearing or visual impairments 

Schools also receive Pupil Premium funding for children eligible for free school meals or those who are looked after by the local authority (Children in Care). Schools can decide how best to spend this extra funding to improve learning outcomes for these children.

For children with SEND, Pupil Premium funding might help to pay for additional support or resources alongside their SEND support.

For more information please click here

Schools must use their best efforts to support children with SEND from their own funding before requesting additional top-up funding. 

A school does not automatically receive extra funding for every child with SEND - they must plan and deliver support using the funding already given unless the child's needs are exceptional and evidenced through the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process.

Early identification, planning, and using resources effectively is key to ensuring pupils make progress. 

For further information, please read: SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015

For further information about SEND funding in Croydon or to discuss support for your child, you can speak to your child’s school SENCO or contact the Croydon SEND Team.

Croydon SEND Team:

Email: SENDequiries@croydon.gov.uk

Phone: 020 8726 6400 (ask for SEND team) 

Croydon SEND Funding (Primary and Secondary Schools)