Cornwall Council gets 90% of SEND deficit covered, with a catch

The money is on its way. So is a closer level of scrutiny.

The Department for Education has approved Cornwall’s Local SEND Reform Plan, according to a statement shared by three of Cornwall’s MPs. That approval allows Cornwall Council to receive a High Needs Stability Grant covering 90% of its Dedicated Schools Grant deficit built up to the end of the 2025-26 financial year.

But the plan was approved with an Improvement Notice attached.

What has been approved

In March 2026, Cornwall Council was asked to submit a Local SEND Reform Plan. It had to set out a credible strategy, drawn up in partnership with Integrated Care Boards and local services, for a more inclusive and sustainable SEND system by 2028-29.

Approval of the plan is a condition of receiving the High Needs Stability Grant, which is intended to help local authorities tackle historic high-needs deficits.

The MPs’ statement describes the plan as part of the Government’s programme of SEND reform, with the stated aim of identifying needs earlier and providing the right support at the right time for children and families.

What the Improvement Notice means

The statement says the Government has identified further work needed to strengthen the council’s readiness to deliver the reforms at pace.

Cornwall has been instructed to strengthen four areas:

• Governance
• Accountability
• Partnership working
• Performance monitoring

Regular review meetings will formally assess progress. Where progress is insufficient or not evidenced, the Department for Education will consider whether further support, challenge or oversight is required.

What Cornwall’s MPs have said

Noah Law, MP for St Austell and Newquay, said: “I have repeatedly called for the right reforms for our SEND system. Day-in, day-out I see the long waits, bureaucratic hurdles and unnecessarily up-hill battles parents facing trying to secure the support their children need.

“I welcome our Labour Government’s decision to unlock significant additional investment for SEND services in Cornwall, providing much-needed financial stability, but also under the condition of implementing the necessary reforms and strengthening oversight of the process.

“What matters now is ensuring delivery of support improves. Families want to see a system that provides the right support at the right time and ultimately works for their children. I will continue working with local partners and ministers to ensure children and young people with SEND across Cornwall receive high-quality support.”

Jayne Kirkham, MP for Truro and Falmouth, said: “It is fantastic news that Cornwall’s SEND plan has been approved and this Government is writing off 90% of Cornwall’s SEND debt as promised. However, I know from hearing from Truro and Falmouth constituents that the system is not working now. Too many SEND students are left without a school place or left waiting for EHCPs to be approved or reviewed so the support and monitoring under the Government Improvement Notice is needed and welcome.”

Anna Gelderd, MP for South East Cornwall, said: “I’m really pleased that the Government has approved Cornwall’s SEND plan and is writing off this debt. We need a system that works, and this is an important step in confronting existing issues with SEND provision, and setting the system up for future success.

“Ensuring that our SEND system is fit for purpose is a top issue for many people across South East Cornwall. I’ve heard this strength of feeling so passionately from local education professionals and families at my SEND roundtable, and I’ve raised these issues in Parliament so that our needs are heard by Westminster.”

Anna added that, in her view, families are still feeling the effects of provision “neglected by previous governments for far too long”.

“That’s why I am continuing to meet with local people, and relay their concerns in Parliament, so that as changes are taking place local families’ views will be there guiding the conversation.”