Parents of children with special educational needs are facing long waits for tribunal hearings due to a surge in new cases. The National Audit Office has pointed out the growing crisis in the system, with councils struggling to meet the increasing demand for services.
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (Send) tribunal in England handles disputes between local authorities and parents regarding education provisions. The number of new cases has risen dramatically in recent years, causing delays in the system. Some parents are waiting over a year for a hearing, while others see councils giving in to demands just before a tribunal takes place.
One parent, Julie Cragg, is trying to secure a non-mainstream school for her autistic daughter but has a tribunal date set for December 2025. This delay is causing distress to her daughter and affecting other children in her current school. Councils are struggling to keep up with the demand, leading to an overwhelmed system.
The success rate for parents at Send tribunals is nearly 100%, indicating that councils may be delaying outcomes to save resources. This practice is unfair to children with special needs, who are left without proper education and support during these delays. Advocates are calling for better resources and accountability for local authorities to ensure that children receive the services they are entitled to by law.
The rising number of appeals to Send tribunals is costing the public sector millions each year. Local authorities are urged to reform Send services to avoid legal disputes and promote inclusion in mainstream settings. The Department for Education and the Ministry of Justice have acknowledged the need for change and are taking steps to improve the system.
Overall, the backlog in Send tribunals is causing significant hardship for families and children in need of support. It is essential for authorities to address the issues in the system to ensure that every child receives the education and care they deserve.
