Strategic SEN planning for schools and early years settings
As expectations around inclusion continue to evolve, schools and early years settings are increasingly focused on making confident, well-informed decisions about how SEN budgets are planned and used - particularly in the context of ongoing SEND reform and increasing demand.
The most effective SEN spend isn’t about adding complexity or investing in short-term solutions. It’s about planning provision that removes barriers, supports regulation and independence, and integrates naturally into everyday learning.
Whether you’re planning provision in an Early Years setting or reviewing SEN support within a school environment, the principles of effective SEN spend remain the same: thoughtful planning, inclusive design and long-term value.
At Chequered Fox, we work with schools and settings to help SEN funding deliver meaningful, long-lasting impact - supporting children’s needs today while remaining flexible for the future.
Understanding the current SEN funding landscape
SEN funding in England sits within a wider and evolving framework. Having a clear understanding of this context can help settings plan provision more strategically and make the most of available budgets.
SEN funding today
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SEN provision is supported through a combination of a school or setting’s notional SEN budget and additional funding routed via the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), including the High Needs Block.
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Schools and settings are expected to use funding flexibly, with an emphasis on inclusive, preventative provision rather than reactive interventions.
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There is increasing focus on supporting children within mainstream environments, reducing reliance on specialist-only solutions where appropriate.
What’s changing - and why it matters
Ongoing SEND reforms and the Government’s SEND Improvement Plan continue to shape how provision is funded and delivered. The direction of travel places greater emphasis on:
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Consistency of SEND support across regions
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Early intervention and inclusive design
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Long-term value and sustainability of provision
For both schools and early years providers, this reinforces a key principle:
SEN budgets are most effective when they support adaptable environments, not single-purpose fixes.
Start with the environment, not the shopping list
Before allocating SEN budget to individual resources, it’s worth taking time to review how your learning environment works as a whole.
Consider:
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Are there calm, low-stimulus areas where children can regulate and refocus?
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Is furniture scaled appropriately to support posture, confidence and independence?
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Do learning zones feel clear, predictable and accessible?
Often, relatively small changes to layout, zoning or furniture choice can create a significant positive impact - without the need for extensive spend.
Sensory provision that supports regulation
Effective sensory provision doesn’t need to be visually busy or overwhelming. For many children, particularly those with sensory processing differences, simplicity and intention are far more effective.
Well-chosen sensory resources can:
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Support emotional regulation and sustained attention
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Encourage fine motor development through calming, repetitive actions
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Provide opportunities for choice and autonomy without cognitive overload
Open-ended sensory resources allow practitioners to adapt provision to individual needs while remaining inclusive and flexible.
Inclusive furniture that builds independence
Furniture is one of the most influential - and often overlooked - elements of SEN provision.
Thoughtfully chosen furniture can:
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Improve physical comfort and posture
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Reduce anxiety by creating defined, predictable spaces
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Encourage independence through accessible heights and clear layouts
Modular seating, structured workstations and low-level storage can support children who benefit from routine and clarity, while remaining valuable across classroom and Early Years environments.
Choose resources that offer long-term value
With SEN budgets under increasing scrutiny, longevity and flexibility are key considerations.
The most effective investments are resources that:
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Can be used across age groups and developmental stages
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Support a range of needs rather than a single diagnosis
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Sit comfortably within both SEN-specific and mainstream provision
Resources that encourage pattern play, construction, sensory exploration and discovery-based learning are particularly valuable, as they can be scaffolded and adapted over time without needing replacement.
Embed SEN provision into everyday practice
The strongest SEN environments are those where inclusive provision is fully embedded into daily practice, rather than set apart.
This approach:
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Reduces stigma
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Encourages peer interaction
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Ensures SEN funding benefits the whole setting
It also reflects the wider direction of SEND reform, which increasingly prioritises inclusive design and preventative support within everyday learning environments.
Why schools and settings choose Chequered Fox
At Chequered Fox, we don’t start with products - we start by understanding your space, your children and your priorities.
We support schools and settings through free space planning, in-depth product knowledge and a strong understanding of inclusive design, helping teams make confident decisions that align with both funding frameworks and children’s needs.
Every setting we work with is supported by a dedicated account manager, offering continuity and guidance from initial planning through to delivery. This ensures SEN provision is thoughtfully designed, practical to implement and tailored to your environment.
Whether you’re reviewing a single room or planning SEN provision across an entire setting, our approach helps ensure SEN budgets are used strategically, sustainably and with confidence.
Planning your SEN spend?
If you’re reviewing SEN funding, responding to changes in provision, or planning inclusive improvements for the year ahead, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with Chequered Fox to start a conversation about SEN provision that truly supports children.