Summary
A report warns that the UK government will face an additional £3 billion in annual costs by 2029 if the system supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) is not reformed. The government currently spends £12 billion yearly on Send, and this amount has increased by 66% over the past decade. The number of children with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) is expected to rise significantly, prompting calls for systemic change to manage costs and support effectively.
Key Facts
- Currently, the UK government spends £12 billion per year on Send support, which has increased by 66% over 10 years.
- The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) forecasts an additional £3 billion needed annually by 2029 without reforms.
- By 2029, an extra 220,000 children and young people will require EHCPs, according to IFS projections.
- One in five pupils in England currently receive Send support; 5.3% of all pupils have individual EHCPs.
- Rising Send support costs have contributed to significant local government debts, projected to reach £5 billion next year.
- The government says it will soon publish its plans for reforming the Send system.
- The cost of educating children in special schools is higher than in mainstream schools, with state special school places costing £23,900 per year.
- There are calls for increased early intervention and more Send pupils to remain in mainstream education settings.
