An interesting question. In Kent, we as a team of teachers are asked to do an access visit to evidence the need, this is then shared with the appropriate leads in education who will specify whether funding from the 'schools access initiative' can be used. On the whole, local authority maintained schools have their works funded (as long as it is above £10k) and academies are expected to self fund through their trusts.

Hello, Like Kent, we used to have an SAI budget, which then became AIS Access in Schools and is now called SIIS Supporting Inclusion in Schools. Specialist Teacher Advisers (STAs) will visit schools where caseload CYP are attending or planning to attend and highlight any adaptations which may be required, STAs then visit with a colleague from the surveying team to assess the works and get approximate costings. The works are then discussed by the SIIS panel for approval and funding or rejection. Academies are funded if there are PD CYP on caseload attending the school. Schools can also individually complete a works form and submit it to SIIS for consideration and funding of adaptations they require.

Hello, in Essex we have a similar process for children and young people (CYP) who are on the physical and neurological impairment specialist teaching (PNI ST) caseload. Small scale building adaptations to meet identified needs for CYP are expected to be carried out by the school ,while larger projects costing over £500 can request funding from AIM, the Access Initiative Meeting. The PNI ST (and therapists) assess CYP’s needs and work with school to find solutions. Where this requires building adaptations, the PNI ST writes a report to be considered by the Access Initiative Meeting Panel. PNI STs are part of this panel. The Panel considers the request and if agreed in principle, this goes to a surveyor for an initial visit and costing; their findings are reported back for further consideration by the Panel. If a project is agreed, a project manager will be allocated and will see the work through from architectural drawings and planning permissions or building regulations to completion.

https://www.kelsi.org.uk/special-education-needs/inclusion/school-access-initiative-sai-policy-and-procedure