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SEND fund offers grants to support families during lockdown

Low-income families with seriously ill or disabled children can access grants worth around £500 to cover the costs of educational and other equipment.

The Family Fund has been given £37.3 million of government funding for 2020/21, including £10 million specifically in response to the difficulties families are facing during the coronavirus pandemic.

The funding it expected to help as many as 75,000 families who have children with complex needs.

Grants can be used for vital equipment to make lives easier while implementing social distancing measures, including computers, specialist equipment and educational toys.

Children and families minister Vicky Ford said: “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.

“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 SEND get the support they need at this difficult time and beyond.”

Cheryl Ward, chief executive of Family Fund, added: “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.”