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SEN funding and provision varies significantly across London’s 32 boroughs. This guide explains the sources of variation, what they mean for families and schools and how to understand your borough’s SEN landscape.
London’s 32 local authority boroughs each have responsibility for SEN funding, EHCP issuance and the commissioning of specialist SEN provision within their area. This means that SEN provision in London is not uniform: the rate of EHCP issuance, the level of funding attached to EHCPs, the availability of specialist provision and the approach to SEN assessment varies significantly across the capital. For schools and families, understanding these variations is important for navigating the SEN system in their specific borough.
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SEN provision varies across London boroughs for several reasons. First, local authorities have discretion in how they apply SEN legislation within the national framework: the SEND Code of Practice is statutory guidance but local authorities make many decisions about thresholds, funding levels and provision that reflect local policy choices. Second, the history of commissioning and provision development differs between boroughs: some have invested more in specialist provision than others. Third, population demographics differ: some boroughs have higher proportions of pupils with complex SEN needs than others. Fourth, financial pressures vary: the High Needs Block has been under pressure across all London boroughs but some are in more severe deficit than others.
Research and DfE statistics show significant variation in EHCP issuance rates across London boroughs. Some boroughs issue EHCPs at significantly higher rates than others, even after adjusting for demographic differences. This variation reflects both genuine differences in need across local populations and differences in local authority thresholds and approaches to needs assessment. For families, this means that the likelihood of a successful EHCP application varies depending on which borough they live in.
The availability of specialist provision for different SEN types varies significantly across London. Some boroughs have a well-developed range of specialist schools and resourced provisions within mainstream schools covering a wide range of SEN types. Others have more limited local provision, leading to pupils being placed in out-of-borough specialist schools, sometimes at significant distance from home. Out-of-borough placements are expensive for local authorities and can be disruptive for families. The availability of good local specialist provision significantly affects families’ choices and the local authority’s options when issuing EHCPs.
SEN funding in England comes primarily from the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), specifically the High Needs Block. Each local authority receives a High Needs Block allocation from the DfE, which is used to fund EHCPs, specialist provision and support for schools. Most London boroughs have faced significant and growing High Needs Block deficits as demand for SEN provision has outpaced funding. These financial pressures affect local authority decision-making about EHCP thresholds, funding levels and specialist provision commissioning.
Each London borough is required to publish a Local Offer: a description of what services and provision are available for children and young people with SEN and disabilities in the area. Local Offers vary significantly in quality and completeness across London boroughs. Families and school professionals should consult their borough’s Local Offer to understand what is available locally, including specialist schools and units, health services, social care support and information about the EHCP process in that borough. The Local Offer is published on each borough council’s website.
Schools and families in London should be aware that SEN provision is shaped by their specific borough as well as by national legislation. Families who move between boroughs may find significant differences in their EHCP funding levels, the schools available and the responsiveness of the local authority. Schools working with pupils whose families are crossing borough boundaries should understand the implications for EHCP responsibility and provision. SENDIASS in each borough provides free advice and information about borough-specific SEN policies and the local landscape of provision.
For related information see our articles on Specialist SEN vs Mainstream Inclusion and What Ofsted Looks for in SEN Provision.
Variation exists because each of London’s 32 local authority boroughs has discretion in applying SEN legislation, different histories of specialist provision development, different demographics and different levels of financial pressure. This means EHCP issuance rates, funding levels and specialist provision availability all vary across the capital.
Each London borough publishes a Local Offer on its website, describing what SEN provision and services are available in the area. SENDIASS (the SEN and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service) in each borough provides free, impartial advice about SEN in that specific local authority. The DfE also publishes local authority-level SEN data that allows comparison of EHCP rates and outcomes across boroughs.
Yes. An EHCP transfers with the child if the family moves to a different local authority. The new local authority takes over responsibility for the EHCP and must continue to provide the provision specified in it. They may carry out a review to determine whether the provision needs to be adjusted to reflect what is available in their area, but they cannot simply reduce provision because it is more expensive than they would normally fund.
Visit our SEN London Resource Hub for more guides on EHCP rights, SEN legislation, staffing costs, agency use, Ofsted expectations and borough-by-borough funding variations across the capital.
The information in this article is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Legislation, funding and local authority policies change: always verify current requirements with the relevant authority. SENDhelp Education Limited accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this content. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience only and do not constitute endorsement of their content.
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