Special schools are funded from the high needs block
High needs funding:
- Supports provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
- Is provided to local authorities (LAs) through the high needs block of the dedicated schools grant (DSG)
This is explained in the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) high needs funding operational guide for 2022 to 2023 (see paragraphs 6 and 7).
Special schools receive core funding (or ‘place funding’) and top-up funding from this block. Read about these in sections 2 and 3 below.
Place funding is allocated to an institution
Place funding, or 'element 2':
- Includes the funding pupils attract for their core education
- Provides a contribution to the additional costs associated with a support package
LAs