SEND banding framework consultation

When a child or young person has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), we provide additional 'top-up' funding from the High Needs Block.

The level of need and the provision set out in their EHCP determine the funding provided. In Swindon, the current bands range from Band 6 (lowest) to Band 1 (highest). The band depends on the type of setting and the child's or young person's primary need.

There is currently no national banding framework, so each local authority makes its own arrangements.

Consultation proposals

To ensure we can effectively fund local settings to support learners with an EHCP, we are consulting on a proposed revised banding model.

This includes a revised banding framework with clear, published descriptors. These explain what each proposed band represents in terms of level of need and type of provision.

Consultation timeline

The timetable for the consultation and proposed changes is:

• 2 November 2026: The consultation opens and the survey goes live
• 13 December 2026: The consultation closes
• February 2027: The proposals and accompanying recommendations are discussed at Cabinet
• September 2027: Any approved changes come into effect at the start of the 2027 to 2028 academic year

Supporting documents

You can read the following documents before completing the consultation:

• SEND banding framework descriptors (PDF)
• SEND funding exemplars (PDF)
• School leaders' guide to SEND funding exemplars (PDF)
• Exceptional Funding Panel terms of reference (PDF)
• SEND transformation implementation action plan (PDF)

Have your say

We welcome responses from young people, parents and carers.

The survey is anonymous. When completing it, do not include personal information that could identify you, your child or a child or young person you work with.

You can read our SEND co-production privacy notice to find out how we use information.

SEND banding framework consultation form