“This cross-government review of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support is good news and is what the LGA has previously called for to identify how we can tackle the immense demand pressures councils are facing in providing vital care and support for children and young people with SEND."
Responding to a review into support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) announced today by the Department for Education, Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said:
“This cross-government review of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support is good news and is what the LGA has previously called for to identify how we can tackle the immense demand pressures councils are facing in providing vital care and support for children and young people with SEND.
“Since the introduction of the Children and Families Act in 2014, which extended eligibility for SEND support, councils have seen a near 50 per cent rise in children and young people with Education, Health and Care plans, to 354,000 in 2019, with more than 130 children and young people starting support plans with their council every day.
“The extra £700 million for SEND announced in the Spending Round is recognition of these pressures and will help councils in meeting demand for support next year, but we believe that system reform is necessary alongside additional funding.
“We are keen that this review also considers inclusion because we want to see all schools become more inclusive, so that more children with high needs can be appropriately supported in mainstream schools.
“We want to work with government and families and children with SEND on this review to get a clear picture of why demand and cost pressures are continuing to rise and what can be done to make the system work more effectively for everyone.”