Winchester News Online
Government to take control of SEND funding in major budget overhaul
In her latest budget, Rachel Reeves announced a major change to how schools support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The government plans to move funding for SEND from local authorities to central government, aiming to create a more consistent and stable system across schools nationwide.
Currently, SEND funding is managed by local authorities, meaning the level of support schools receive can vary depending on local budgets.
Many authorities are struggling with large SEND deficits, which can delay support for pupils who need it most.
By centralising the funding, the government hopes to remove these financial pressures and make access to resources more predictable and equitable.
A trainee teacher said the shift could bring “more consistency and stability to schools, because funding would no longer depend on the financial situation of individual local authorities.”
She also highlighted the potential benefits for pupils, but stressed that much would depend on how the reforms are implemented.
“The government’s changes could improve outcomes for pupils with SEND, but it depends on how the reforms are put into practice in schools,” she explained.
“Many local authorities have been carrying large SEND deficits, so removing that pressure might eventually help schools access support more quickly and fairly.”
Education experts say the success of the reforms will rely on careful planning and monitoring. While central funding could help standardise support, schools will still need guidance and resources to ensure the money ensures real improvements in the classroom.
Families and schools alike will be closely watching as the government rolls out these changes, hoping that the new system will deliver on its promise: a fairer, more predictable approach to supporting pupils with SEND, giving every child the opportunity to thrive.
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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