Leading the way in smarter, fairer SEND funding

Two years after implementing SEND Funding Genie (formerly known as ‘Formulate’) for special schools, Achieving for Children has extended its use to all mainstream schools across Kingston and Richmond. The move supports a more consistent, transparent, and needs-led approach to SEND funding, delivering real impact without increasing spend.

Originally rolled out in January 2023 for special schools, Funding Genie was expanded to mainstream settings in January 2025. Now, schools, families, and finance teams are benefiting from a joined-up approach to funding decisions that improves inclusion, confidence, and sustainability.

“While overall costs have remained stable – or even slightly lower in some areas – we’re now making much smarter, more targeted use of our resources.”  
- Chike Nnalue, Associate Director for SEND at Achieving for Children

From tool to transformation

Funding Genie has become more than just a platform – it's been a catalyst for wider change across the boroughs. Teams are now using data-driven insights to support smarter placement decisions, ensuring pupils with higher levels of need are matched to the right provision, and helping mainstream schools deliver earlier, more inclusive support.  

“It has been a catalyst for change in Kingston and Richmond – especially in how we think about the EHCP and annual review process.”  
- Lesley Moore, Project Manager during the implementation at Achieving for Children

Smarter spend, stronger decisions

Moving to a standardised, needs-led model has helped Achieving for Children:

• Improve consistency in funding decisions

• Maximise value and spend more accurately and effectively

• Increase strategic use of specialist placements

• Build greater trust in the funding process across settings

Why it matters

With rising EHCP demand and increasing scrutiny, Achieving for Children’s progress shows what’s possible when technology, policy, and practice come together:

• 70% less admin

• 25% improvement in EHCP deadline success  

• £66:1 return on investment in year one

Funding Genie is helping local authorities do more than keep up – it’s helping them get ahead.

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