What is SEND and why are councils struggling to pay for it?
Summary
The article discusses the financial challenges that councils in England face in funding support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Research by the Local Government Association shows that many councils are at risk of bankruptcy due to high SEND costs, prompting calls for government intervention. The government plans to reform the SEND system to improve early support for children and stabilize council finances.Key Facts
- SEND stands for special educational needs and disabilities.
- Eight out of ten councils in England could face bankruptcy due to high SEND costs.
- An Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) identifies a young person's needs and the support required.
- EHCPs are applicable until age 25 if the individual remains in education.
- Approximately 1.7 million pupils in England receive SEND support, with over 483,000 receiving the highest level through an EHCP.
- The rise in autism spectrum disorder diagnoses has contributed to increased demand for SEND support.
- Councils are projected to spend £14.8 billion on SEND by 2025/26, up from £5 billion in 2015/16.
- Rising SEND costs have led to accumulating debts for councils, which the government aims to manage centrally by 2028.
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