£10 million emergency funding to help disabled children access vitally needed equipment
The government has confirmed that an emergency fund of £10 million has been set up to help children with special educational needs and disabilities access vital equipment.
The funding boost follows the Department for Education’s announcement that the £26 million Family Fund will continue in the next year – 20/21.
According to the government, the total £37.3 million of funding is set to support 75,000 low-income families in England with severely ill or disabled children.
Delivered in the form of grants usually worth £400 to £500, the direct support will help families with the cost of equipment to make their lives easier whilst implementing social distancing measures, such as computers, specialist assistive technology and educational toys.
£10 million of the funding the total has been committed specifically in response to the unique difficulties presented by the coronavirus pandemic, says the government, helping parents educate and look after disabled or critically ill children who are staying at home more than usual.
The funding to support SEND children at home comes after councils across England called on the government for clarity regarding the relaxation of statutory duties amid growing challenges to provide support as set out in children’s Education, Health and Care Plans.
“Our first priority remains the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. I know that these unprecedented times may put additional pressure on families, particularly those whose children have the most complex needs, and these parents deserve some extra help to look after and educate them at home,” said Vicky Ford, Children and Families Minister.
“From computers and tablets to household items that many of us take for granted, this new funding will directly benefit tens of thousands of families, making sure parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities get the support they need at this difficult time and beyond.”
The funding is allocated by Family Fund and companies in the industry can direct their customers in England to apply for grants directly from the charity.
Cheryl Ward, Chief Executive of Family Fund, said: “Family Fund welcomes this commitment of an additional £10 million in emergency funding. It will make an incredible difference to thousands of families in England during this crisis, providing practical and essential grant support to help improve the quality of life and ease some of the additional daily pressures faced in these difficult times by many disabled children and their families.”
