Update on the process for Mainstream Top Up for Education Health & Care Plans

20 March 2026

Further updates relating to the funding arrangements for children with an EHCP in mainstream schools.

On the 23rd January as part of the Kelsi e-bulletin Christine McInnes updated schools on the funding arrangements for children with an EHCP in mainstream schools which are expected to be in place until at least August 2027. Since this time, there have been some further updates which are highlighted in the updated summary table below.

Please note, all funding continues to be dependent on your child being in your school – currently this is based on the child being on the roll of your school, but we are looking at how attendance may be incorporated in future.

Summary of the Interim Process for mainstream top-up funding:

Date EHCP was issued

Process for mainstream top-up funding

EHCP issued prior to December 2024

Schools will continue to be paid based on a protected payment until August 2027.

Where the protected payment is greater than £6,000 this funding will follow the child if there is a change in mainstream school.

Where the protected payment is funded from the Community budget (less than £6,000) this will continue to be protected at 75% for 2026-27 academic year.

EHCP issued since December 2024

The Council will review the ECHP and estimate the Council’s contribution if assessed under the old top-up arrangement (schools are still expected to meet at least the first £6,000 of additional support).

  • If the Council’s contribution is assessed to be   under £6,000 schools will be advised to consider their whole school offer in   delivering the requirements of the EHCP and, if required further support can   be sought through the Professional Resource Group or your local Community   (please note, Community of Schools can consider either group or individual   requests for financial support).
  • If the Council’s contribution is assessed to be over   £6,000 schools will be paid directly by the Council.

Schools will receive an email confirming the outcome of the funding review. Please note, schools are not expected to provide any further information.

We have been working through EHCPs in a priority order, and so schools may not yet have received a communication. Priority has been made to process new plans issued since December 2024, where schools have not previously been in receipt of any funding support.

For ECHPs who were previously in receipt of 75% SEN Support protection funding – this payment will increase to 100%, if the value of the 100% payment is over £6,000 (otherwise you will continue to get the 75% protected payment) – this will be reflected from your March 2026 Advance Payment. Where funding changes are agreed this will be back dated the date the EHCP was issued.