SEND top-up funding trial update

The SEND top-up funding trial, which launched in January 2022, piloted two systems to make the process of applying for top-up funding simpler and more transparent.  

It is recognised that the current banding system for top-up funding is not fit for purpose and the costed individual education plan is too bureaucratic. 

The trial has now come to a conclusion. A new method of calculating top-up funding has been developed using a 6x4 matrix, using the four main areas of need and six levels of support from Quality First Teaching to the highest level of specialist support. This matrix has been tested and there is evidence to demonstrate the new system is financially sustainable.

It is proposed that this new system will be rolled out across early years, mainstream and special school settings from 2023. This will be a phased roll out and further detail will be provided over the coming months.

We would like to extend thanks to those who have helped us get to this point, there has been a lot of effort from all those involved.