High needs national funding formula – consultation on proposed changes

24 March 2021

The Department of Education had an open consultation to seek a view on proposed initial changes to the High Needs National Funding Formula (NFF).

The NFF calculates funding allocations to local authorities for children and young people in England with complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or who require alternative provision.

This consultation forms the first stage of a longer-term review of the High Needs NFF . This review will be taken forward following the SEND review and will consider how the distribution of High Needs funding can be improved, to achieve the highest quality support for the most vulnerable children and young people.

Cheshire East Council have drafted their response to this consultation (PDF, 154KB). The response summarises how we believe funding should represent the characteristics and needs of our young people with SEND , which is consistent and fair across all local authorities.