The Notional SEN budget for mainstream schools

Understanding how schools allocate resources can be crucial for adoptive parents aiming to support their child’s education, especially for those who may need extra help. One significant resource available is notional funding — an annual allocation of up to £6,000 to support additional needs, sometimes on top of the Pupil Premium. Here, we’ll explain what notional funding is, how to ensure your child is considered, and provide guidance on how to approach your school to understand how funds are being used.

What is notional funding? Notional funding is part of a school’s budget set aside for supporting children with additional needs, including those who may face challenges related to trauma, attachment, or neurodiversity. This funding can apply to children across early years settings, primary and secondary schools, and some further education settings, like college, that support young people with additional needs. Although notional funding isn’t provided as a direct payment to families, schools can use it to enhance learning support, provide specialist resources, or support services based on each child’s individual needs.

Who can access notional funding? Notional funding is designed for any student in need of additional support to thrive academically and emotionally. Adopted children often benefit from it because they may have unique needs that align with the fund’s purpose. Eligibility is typically based on the child’s need for support, which may include academic interventions, emotional support, and specialized services to create a nurturing learning environment, regardless of whether they’re in early years, primary, or secondary school.

Notional Funding is available in every local authority, as it is part of the standard funding allocated by the government to support children with additional needs in schools. Each local authority distributes funds to schools within its area, with an expectation that schools will use a portion of this funding to support children who may require extra help.

How to ensure your child is considered? The first step is to ensure your school is fully aware of your child’s specific needs. This often means initiating conversations with your child’s teacher, the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), and other key staff, regardless of your child’s stage in education. For younger children, early years and primary school teachers can work with you to build a support plan that addresses developmental and emotional needs. In secondary school or college, the SENCO and pastoral staff play a larger role in managing interventions. Advocate for a personalised plan that highlights your child’s unique challenges and the types of support they might need.

Starting the conversation with your school. To find out how notional funding is being applied to your child’s education, arrange a meeting with the SENCO or school leadership team. Explain your interest in understanding how the school uses notional funding, emphasizing your commitment to partnering in your child’s educational journey. Some key questions might include:

• What kinds of support or interventions have been planned or implemented?
• How is notional funding specifically being used to benefit my child?
• Are there any additional support options we could consider?

Advocating for notional funding support. If you feel that your child’s needs aren’t fully addressed, don’t hesitate to request a review meeting with school staff. Be clear and specific about your observations at home and how they relate to areas where additional support might help. For early years and primary school children, you might focus on social and developmental needs, while in secondary school, learning challenges and social-emotional support might take priority. Sharing insights from home can help school staff understand the full picture.

Staying engaged and informed. Maintaining an open line of communication with your school is essential. Regular check-ins, both formal and informal, help you stay informed on how notional funding and other resources are being applied, whether your child is in early years, primary, secondary school, or college. By being proactive and informed, you can play a key role in ensuring your child receives the support they need to succeed.

For more information on support services and funding options available in London, please speak with your local authority family support team, who can guide you in navigating educational resources for adoptive families. Or refer to The notional SEN budget for mainstream schools: operational guide 2024 to 2025 – GOV.UK