Cluster funding

From September 2025, schools in the Central locality will take part in a new pilot called Cluster Funding—a more flexible and collaborative way to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

This new approach allows schools to access funding without needing an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Schools are grouped into clusters based on location and size, and will meet twice per term with SENCOs, locality leads, and educational psychologists to share ideas and allocate funding for projects or urgent needs.

Why Cluster Funding?

• No EHCP required – support is available for all children with SEND
• Faster access – funding decisions made termly by local professionals
• Collaborative approach – schools share resources and best practice
• Emergency support – contingency funding available for urgent needs

Over 30 schools are part of the Central cluster. If your child’s school isn’t included, we’ll update you as the pilot expands to other areas of the city. Nursery settings are not part of this initial phase.

The EHCP process remains unchanged. Cluster Funding simply offers an additional route to help schools meet children’s needs earlier and more effectively.

For more information and to see a list of the schools involved, please visit Cluster funding – Local Offer.