An estimated 1.7 million school-aged children in England have special education needs and disabilities (Send), yet the system meant to support them is reportedly "in disarray." The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a stark warning about the Send system, describing it as entangled in bureaucratic red tape, underfunded, and failing to deliver value for money. Despite the government's recent allocation of £740 million to make school buildings more accessible, concerns persist over the effectiveness of current measures.
The situation is exacerbated by the soaring demand for Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), which have increased by 140% over the past decade. As of January 2024, there are 576,000 children with an EHCP. Unfortunately, many councils fail to meet the legal requirement to provide these plans within a 20-week timeframe, leaving numerous families in limbo. Councillor Arooj Shah has urged the government to forgive councils' spending deficits on Send to alleviate financial strain.
Schools Minister Catherine McKinnell highlighted the longstanding issues plaguing the system, stating that it has been "failing families with Send children for far too long." The PAC report echoes this sentiment, noting that the system has been in disarray for years. Despite a £1 billion investment aimed at addressing these challenges, the government does not fully understand why EHCP demand has surged so drastically.
"This is an emergency that has been allowed to run and run. This report must serve as a line in the sand for government." – Catherine McKinnell
The government remains optimistic about its efforts, with the Department for Education (DfE) claiming progress on Send issues. However, the testimonies of various stakeholders depict a more complex reality. Councillor Roger Gough remarked that the current Send system is "no longer viable," while Bridget Phillipson highlighted diminishing parental confidence and the increasing pressure on councils.
"Parents have lost confidence and councils are increasingly being pushed to the brink," – Bridget Phillipson
In Birmingham, Ninestiles Academy serves as an example of how schools are attempting to adapt. The academy hosts 45 Send pupils in a specialized resource center, where they spend approximately 70% of their time in mainstream education and 30% in specialist lessons. While this model shows promise, it underscores the need for a broader systemic overhaul.
"As a nation, we are failing countless children. We have been doing so for years." – Catherine McKinnell
