I work in a school currently taking pupils from three different local authorities. Any piece of equipment has to be justified as needed for education rather than social need etc in order for me to get education funding. Some items are jointly funded by a combination of education, DCT and health.  So far, over the last four years, any item required based on reports from NHS physio/OT or other equivalent specialist like the ACE centre has been funded.

If parents/pupil want a more advanced version e.g. sit to stand wheel chair rather than normal power chair, unless this is stated as required by OT/PT as required then the additional funding is parental or charity.

Could I ask how much you're expected to pay if it is an expensive piece of equipment? In my local authority the LA will fund equipment recommended by OT but schools pay the first £500 in any academic year for any pupil requiring equipment.

In Hull it's similar to Robin's authority. There is a joint equipment panel that now includes education that considers recommendations from therapists. Schools pay for non-specialist equipment and equipment that can be re-used with other pupils but expensive 'personal' medically prescribed equipment, e.g. specialist seating, is funded by the equipment panel

We have quite a detailed policy regarding the provision of specialist equipment. Please email me at kelly.lambert@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk if you would like me to share a copy. We expect schools to fund 'frequently used and easily available items' (particularly ICT) and any lower cost specialist items, such as slings or Foxdenton chairs.