Special educational needs (SEN) funding in England has reached a record £10bn per year, with the number of children and young people eligible for government support expected to double to 1 million in the next ten years, according to a recent report by the National Audit Office (NAO). Despite the substantial increase in spending, there has been no significant improvement in the lives of children with SEN, the report highlighted.
Local authorities are struggling to cope with the rising demand for special school placements and the funding needed for specialists like therapists, psychologists, and teaching assistants. The current system is not adequately meeting the needs of children and their families, and the Department for Education’s (DfE) efforts may not be enough to address these challenges, as stated by Gareth Davies, the head of the NAO.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged that the system has been neglected and needs reform. She emphasized the importance of rebuilding families’ confidence in the system and moving away from short-term solutions. The report also projected a significant increase in the number of children requiring support through education, health, and care plans (EHCPs), with autism spectrum conditions showing the fastest growth.
Education leaders and experts are calling for urgent reform of the SEN system, citing the complexity and importance of this task. Families have expressed frustration and loss of confidence in the system, with many facing financial strains and sacrificing their own careers to advocate for their children’s rights. The current deficits in SEN spending are pushing local authorities towards financial difficulties, with the need for government intervention becoming more apparent.
Looking ahead, the Local Government Association (LGA) is urging the government to reform and adequately fund the SEN system to ensure that children receive the necessary support. Writing off high-needs deficits and providing long-term solutions are crucial to prevent a financial crisis for councils in the coming years. The upcoming budget announcement is eagerly awaited by stakeholders in the education sector, hoping for concrete steps to address the challenges outlined in the NAO report.
In conclusion, the SEN system in England is facing significant challenges that require urgent attention and reform. The well-being and future of children with special educational needs must be prioritized, and a more sustainable and inclusive approach to education is needed to ensure that all children have access to quality support and resources.
