Posted on Thursday 24th Oct 2024
Families of children with special education needs and disabilities (Send) have lost confidence in a system that "often falls short" and is failing to improve children’s outcomes, the public-spending watchdog says.
Despite funding rising by 58% over the past decade, to £10.7bn, the system is financially “unsustainable” and “in urgent need of reform”, the National Audit Office (NAO) warns.
There are an estimated 1.7 million children with special education needs in schools in England.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told BBC News she was "determined to turn it around" but it "will take time".
Can't find what you are looking for?
Don't worry, please call us anyway to discuss your ideal job.
Latest News
20/01/25UK and Ukraine schools to strengthen ties by swapping stories
New initiative for 50 schools launched as PM Starmer visits school No 219 in Ukraine
13/01/25Martyn Oliver on Ofsted reform: 8 things we learned
Ofsted chief inspector talks to education committee MPs on new report cards, safeguarding 'spot checks' and SEND worries
09/01/25Send is the 'biggest issue' for schools - Ofsted
Special educational needs and disabilities (Send) is the "biggest issue" affecting schools in England, Ofsted's chief inspector has said. Sir Martyn Oliver told the education committee that the Send system's high costs and poor outcomes represented a "lose-lose situation". Government figures for the 2023/24 academic year showed more than 1.6 million children had Send, an increase of 101,000 from 2023.
08/01/25Pupil behaviour 'getting worse' at schools in England, say teachers
Nearly one in five teachers in England has been hit by a pupil this year, a survey commissioned by the BBC says. One teacher told BBC News behaviour was a "never-ending battle". Another said spitting, swearing and chair-throwing were among the things happening often.
07/01/25A plan for better special needs assessment
John Wright highlights three improvements that parents and professionals should fight for with regard to the process for obtaining EHCPs for children
News Archive