SEND top-up funding
Information about the new top-up funding system
SEND top-up funding
The following information provides an overview of the new top-up funding system in the context of the need to change the current system and includes an explanation of what top-up funding is and how it is allocated. It also sets out the implementation plan for the new system that will be rolled out between April 2025 and March 2028. Further detailed reading, along with an FAQ, is available at the bottom of this page.
Context
The current system of allocating top-up funding lacks consistency and transparency and uses outdated methodology based on hours (in mainstream). To address this, our approach is to ensure that the new funding system is:
1) informed by the needs of children
2) fair, transparent and equitable, and
3) as simple as possible to administer across all provision.
After reviewing and testing a number of different options of funding allocation, we have purchased the Education Banding Tool by Imosphere. The tool enables a needs analysis to be completed based on the EHCP which, in turn, determines a banding level, each band equating to a value of top up funding. The tool also enables digital insights and analysis.
Testing and sampling of over 10% of the SEND cohort has been completed and moderation activity carried out, from this we can evidence that the system is robust in creating consistency and transparency and a fair funding system for children with an EHCP.
What is the SEND top-up band?
When a child or young person with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) has special educational needs (SEN) that cannot be fully supported by the standard funding available in their education setting, the Local Authority provides additional financial support—known as top-up funding.
To allocate this funding fairly and consistently, we use a banding system. Each band has an associated funding value, helping us plan and distribute extra resources to both mainstream and special schools based on the individual needs outlined in pupils’ EHCPs.
How we calculate the top-up band
Once an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is agreed and confirmed as meeting a child or young person’s needs, the Local Authority will determine the appropriate level of top-up funding.
As a partnership, schools and the Local Authority chose to use a tool called the Formulate Education Banding Tool (EBT) that is already used by some other councils in England. There are three stages involved in using Formulate to calculate the Top Up Band:
- Completing the Formulate Needs Profile on Formulate Education Banding Tool
- Calculating an Education Band using Formulate Education Banding Tool
- Using the Education Band to calculate top-up funding
You can find more information about the Needs Profile HERE
The funding rates for each band have been approved by the Schools Forum for the 2025/26 financial year. These rates were developed following detailed benchmarking and analysis of current spending to ensure fairness and sustainability.
See below for the bandings and top-up funding rates for 2025-2026
Banding implementation plan
There will be a phased approach to implementation of the new system, with all EHCPs transferred across by March 2028. The plan aims to mitigate the risks of significant changes at the school level by maintaining existing rates until key transition points, providing ample notice of any funding changes.
Further reading
For more information, you can visit the following links: