CHILDREN with special educational needs in Hampshire are set get help after the government delivered a multi-million pound cash injection to implement reforms.

Education bosses have plaedged to invest £31.7 million over the next two years to help councils in England continue to meet the costs of implementing reforms for youngsters with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Now youngsters and their parents can have a greater choice in shaping the support they receive which is extended up until they are 25 years old.

More than £722,000 will be invested in Hampshire County Council while Southampton City Council will receive more than £131,000.

It is also expected that Ofsted inspectors and Care Quality Commission officers along with the council to inspect areas in Hampshire to make sure that statutory duties are being fulfilled.

The new system extends rights and protections to young people by introducing a new Education, Health and Care plan.

Professionals will also provide more tailored support to families, giving them the help and assistance they need.

The Department for Education has also worked with Mencap to publish today for the first time easy read guides for young people with SEND and their parents that explain the reforms to the system.

Children and Families Minister, Edward Timpson, said: “Our reforms put children and parents right at the heart of the system. We're on the beginning of a journey to provide simpler, improved and consistent help.

“Local councils have made a strong start in implementing these life changing reforms, but we want to give them more help to take delivery to the next level.

“The timescale has always been for them to bring children into the new system over the next three years - this extra money will help them to do that.”