Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, has welcomed the news that state and special needs schools in the South East will see a funding boost.

The Prime Minister has confirmed that state schools in England will receive a £2.2 billion funding increase for next year. This funding is part of the £14 billion settlement for schools by 2022/23.

Funding will be distributed according to the national funding formula, which will mean those historically underfunded will see the biggest boost and ensure that money is distributed fairly throughout the country.

On top of this, the Government has approved 33 school trusts to run 37 new free schools to be staffed by specialist teachers. This will create in total 3000 new places for children with special educational needs where they can access the right support and equipment.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

“Every child deserves a superb education, regardless of their background or where they grew up, and these new schools will allow those with the most complex needs get the very best start in life.

“We are delivering on our promise to reform our education system to ensure the next generation reach their full potential, and have already committed to increasing funding per pupil in primary and secondary schools.”

4 of the new 37 free schools will be in the South East, which will create an extra 300 places for autistic children and those with social, emotional and mental health needs.

This is part of the extra £780 million investment for pupils with special educational needs, bringing the SEND budget to over £7 billion a year.

Caroline commented:

“This funding boost is vital to ensure that children in the Constituency, no matter of their circumstances, get the education they need and reach their potential.

“We all know how important school is, and the power it has to shape our future and prospects later in life. It is therefore only fair that our children get the best start.

“I look forward to seeing how this funding will bringing improvements within the constituency.”