MORE than half a million pounds has been allocated to Buckinghamshire LEA to improve teaching for special educational needs children.

The £647,509.09 allocation is part of a £10,940,093.47 Government handout for the south east through the special educational needs (SEN) standards fund for next year.

In total £82 million has been allocated to LEAs in England compared to last year's £55 million.

The money is intended to provide information and advice services for parents of children with special educational needs and allow for improved staff training.

The cash is also expected to help children unable to attend school due to illness or injury, and those in public care.

David Blunkett, education and employment secretary, said: "I am announcing the resources being made available to each LEA across the country through the standards fund to improve the educational opportunities for children with special educational needs.

"The increased flexibility of the standards fund will place the emphasis on improved outcomes and reduced bureaucracy."