When trying to understand about the funding that is available for SEND it is important to understand how schools are funded generally. 

Mainstream school budgets are largely based on the 'Age-Weighted Pupil Unit' (AWPU) whereby a certain level of funding is allocated to every child of a particular age. The sum is higher in secondary schools than it is in primary schools to reflect additional costs at Key Stages 3 and 4.

Hartlepool Borough Council has decided that in all mainstream schools 8.5% of the funds generated by the AWPU calculation should be for SEND. This is to ensure that schools have identified funds to put in place the essential features of inclusive provision for SEND.

However, the Council recognises that all schools are not operating in identical circumstances. Some face greater challenges than others. This is particularly true in the number and range of children with 'additional' or 'special' educational needs.

In order to help schools to be inclusive specific funds are delegated to all mainstream schools for Low Cost/High Incidence (LCHI) and Special Educational Needs (SEND). These resources are distributed according to formulae that have been carefully considered to make sure that the schools in the greatest need receive the most help.

However, even a good formula can not take into account all the circumstances of every child and every school so, in addition, the Local Authority retains centrally a budget for Individual Pupil Support, which is used to fund additional help for children identified with SEND in mainstream schools, for whom the delegated funds are not sufficient.

For more information about SEND funding and provision in schools read Hartlepool 's Special Educational Needs and/or Disability Policy.