England’s special education system is under fire for failing to meet the needs of thousands of children, hindering their development for months or even years, as reported by the local government ombudsman. According to Amerdeep Somal, the ombudsman, more than 90% of complaints received are related to special educational needs (SEN) provision and schools, highlighting a significant issue in the system.
Somal’s review emphasizes the challenges faced by children, families, and local authorities due to inadequate resources, staff shortages, and a lack of suitable and affordable support in many areas. This leads to crucial time lost in education and development for young people, with no way to reclaim it. The frustration is evident as complaints can only be accepted regarding council-supervised maintained schools, excluding state-funded academies or free schools, creating an inequitable situation where access to redress depends on the type of school a child attends.
Furthermore, the ombudsman’s office lacks the authority to investigate complaints about special needs provision for children who do not meet the threshold for an education, health, and care plan (EHCP). Somal’s report calls for the government to grant the necessary powers to investigate all state schools regarding EHCPs and additional needs support, aiming for a more comprehensive and fair system.
The Department for Education has been urged to address these issues, especially considering that complaints concerning schools and special needs provision accounted for a significant portion of the local government ombudsman’s caseload, with a high rate of upheld complaints. The main shortcomings identified include delays in processing applications, failure to implement EHCPs, and staff shortages, as seen in cases like North Yorkshire county council’s struggles to recruit education psychologists promptly.
The critical observations made by the ombudsman align with the National Audit Office’s assessment that the special needs system is financially unsustainable in its current state. With over half a million children and young people in England having an EHCP last year, and many more estimated to have special needs without qualifying for an EHCP, the need for immediate action and reform in the system is evident.
In conclusion, the spotlight on the failures of the special educational needs system in England highlights the urgent need for improvements to ensure that all children have access to the support and resources necessary for their development and education. The recommendations made by the local government ombudsman serve as a call to action for the government and relevant authorities to address the systemic issues and work towards a more inclusive and effective system for children with special educational needs.
