LOCAL MP Andrew Murrison has welcomed the inclusion of Wiltshire in the government’s announcement of ‘safety valve’ funding for special needs following a bid by Wiltshire Council.
The authority is one of four councils sharing the money, with Wiltshire Council receiving £67 million over six years.
Andrew Murrison says that the plan in Wiltshire focuses on improving early intervention support to prevent the need for escalation that drives education, health and care plan numbers, while simultaneously improving professional and parental confidence in mainstream inclusion.
The MP, a former special school governor, said, “A big well done to Wiltshire Council for securing this substantial funding which will benefit my young constituents with complex needs and their families.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the detail of the council’s plans and hope it will reduce the need for out of county placements.”
Nationally, funding for children with special needs has risen by 60% over five years, he says.
