Overcoming budgeting challenges in SEN schools

The scale of the challenge

The rising number of pupils with special educational needs exacerbates the financial pressure. As of January 2024, 1.7 million pupils were identified as having SEN, but only 1.2 million receive the necessary support, with just 600,000 having Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). These discrepancies place additional burdens on schools, especially as provisions such as one-to-one teaching can cost up to £140 per day—quickly exceeding the notional £6,000 budget allocated per SEN pupil.
Compounding the issue, some schools must divert funds from existing budgets to cover rising costs, including the recent 5.5% teacher pay increase. Without accurate budget oversight, many SEN schools face a constant battle to provide essential support while maintaining financial stability.

Practical steps for SEN schools

Despite these obstacles, SEN schools can take meaningful steps to manage their budgets more effectively:

Embrace technology for financial management

Outdated manual systems lack the adaptability required to manage the complex and evolving financial needs of SEN schools. Budget management software allows schools to track expenditure, forecast scenarios, and automate reporting—freeing up valuable time for staff while ensuring financial transparency and accuracy.

Plan for flexibility

SEN schools often face unforeseen expenses, such as adapting resources or increasing one-to-one support. Tools like budget forecasting software enable schools to account for these variables, helping them prepare for changes in funding, pupil numbers, and staffing costs.

Collaborate and advocate

Working closely with local authorities and other stakeholders ensures that schools can access available funding and support. Advocacy for adequate SEN funding remains critical, but in the meantime, schools can maximise their current budgets by using data and predictive tools to make informed decisions.

Implement forward-looking strategies

Leveraging technology to model salary variations, account for pay rises, and forecast up to five years in advance gives SEN schools the ability to navigate financial challenges proactively. In 2024 alone, the use of re-forecasting tools increased by 115% as schools adapted to shifting funding conditions.
How Access Education supports SEN schools

Access Education Finance and Budgets provides SEN schools with the tools they need to thrive, offering precise financial oversight and the ability to forecast future scenarios with ease. Steve Parkinson, Business Director at Vale Federation, highlights the transformative impact of Access Education's solutions:

"Access Education has enabled us to consolidate our finances across two sites, ensuring we operate within budget while planning effectively for the future. The software has been a key enabler in our journey to financial stability.”

With tailored solutions for SEN schools, Access Education is committed to helping school leaders overcome financial challenges. To learn more about how Access Education Finance and Budgets can support your school, speak to a member of our team.

Meet James Kirby, an education finance expert whose wealth of knowledge evolved from his extensive background in finance for schools, particularly within the Hampshire Local Authority, the second-largest LA in England.

Drawing on his experience, James possesses a deep understanding of how LAs operate, including their budgetary and financial requirements. He applies this knowledge to navigate the intricacies that filter down to the school level, where he helps enhance financial processes and ensures efficient reporting back to the LA.

In his current position as Senior Consultant at Access, James leverages his comprehensive finance knowledge to aid our education finance customers. From implementation and migration to CPD and training, he imparts his expertise to schools, academies, and trusts.

Additionally, James collaborates with LAs to streamline reporting requirements, ensuring a harmonious meeting of both school and LA needs. James is a fountain of knowledge in all aspects of education finance, and he goes above and beyond to support our customers in any way possible.