Hillingdon Council is implementing a revised banding model for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Although described as a reorganisation rather than a reduction in overall SEND funding, the new banding allocations mean that some children will receive less funding in monetary terms as they transition to the new model, even where their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) sets out specific levels of support.
The revised model was co-produced with schools and stakeholders and allocates funding based on assessed needs using a holistic set of descriptors. Under this approach, some pupils now receive higher funding and some lower, depending on their assessed profile. However, in practice, many schools are being informed that individual pupils’ funding will decrease without any transitional plans built into their EHCPs to manage the shift to the new banding model. For children whose allocations have reduced, this abrupt change means that the level of support specified in their EHCP can no longer be delivered in full (unless the schools have the funding capacity to cover the shortfall), creating a significant risk of disrupted provision and adverse effects on their learning and development.
This creates a serious risk that SEN children will no longer receive the support they are legally entitled to unless schools absorb the shortfall themselves. This is not sustainable and could leave vulnerable children without the assistance they need to learn, develop, and thrive.
Without appropriate support in primary education, SEN children may be poorly prepared for secondary school — particularly concerning given the already limited SEN provision available at secondary level in Hillingdon.
We are therefore calling on Hillingdon Council to halt the implementation of funding reductions arising from the new banding model where they result in lower support for individual children without appropriate transitional arrangements built into their EHCPs. EHCP funding must continue to reflect proper, needs-based provision as required by law.
SEN children should not lose crucial support due to cost-driven reallocation measures.
On reaching 100 signatures it will be formally considered by the Council and relevant Cabinet Member. Democratic Services Team will keep the lead petitioner updated on progress.
This ePetition runs from 11/02/2026 to 11/03/2026.
159 people have signed this ePetition.