Medway Council Receives £2.4 Million for Labour’s Experts at Hand SEND Support in Schools

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The money comes from a hefty £429 million national pot announced by the Department for Education. Part of Labour’s wider £2 billion SEND reform package over three years.

What the Money Will Buy

The Experts at Hand scheme targets children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND needs. Educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists will work directly in mainstream schools, early years settings, and further education colleges.

No existing Education, Health and Care Plan needed.

This removes a significant barrier that’s prevented many pupils from getting help. Medway Council will partner with NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board to deliver the service. At least 80% of the funding must go on direct delivery – no more than 10% each allowed for administration or transformation costs.

The Bigger Picture

The £429 million represents just the first year of funding. The government has committed £1.8 billion for Experts at Hand and £200 million for transformation over the three-year period.

Provisional allocations were published in April 2026. Final confirmations are due in May 2026, with local authorities required to submit SEND reform plans by June 2026. The funding can’t replace existing provision or fund EHCP assessments – and it can’t support children who already have named EHCP provision.

Mixed Reactions

The government says Experts at Hand will strengthen mainstream inclusion by providing expert access without EHCPs. Officials point to the £2 billion investment as proof of their commitment.

But councils have raised concerns. They worry the funding might be used to plug existing gaps – or be grabbed disproportionately by proactive schools.

SEND advocates see promise in the concept. Yet they fear it could fail due to unclear delivery plans, specialist shortages, and weak accountability measures.

How the Money Works

The Department for Education calculates allocations using base rates. Councils receive £35 per registered education pupil, £16 per pupil eligible for free school meals, and £14 per pupil with low prior attainment.

These rates are adjusted for local area costs. Medway’s £2.4 million allocation reflects its pupil numbers and demographics.

The funding aligns with Medway Council’s proposed SEND Strategy 2025-2028. This strategy aims to improve support for children with additional needs across the area.

Key Takeaways

• Medway Council receives £2.4 million to bring SEND specialists directly into mainstream schools
• Children aged 0-25 can access support without needing an Education, Health and Care Plan
• The funding is part of a £2 billion government package over three years

What This Means for Kent Residents

Parents in Medway with children who have special educational needs will benefit from easier access to specialist support. Schools across the area will have educational psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists working on-site rather than families having to travel for appointments. If your child needs SEND support, contact their school to understand how these new services will be delivered from 2026 – this could markedly reduce waiting times and bureaucracy compared to the current EHCP process.