ASCL responds to Ofsted report on SEND support in mainstream schools

Commenting on the report from Ofsted that some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools are not getting enough help to support their learning and development, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“This report from Ofsted identifies issues which are already well-known and which stem from a number of problems.

“One, support for children with special educational needs is critically underfunded; two, the system for delivering that funding is byzantine in its complexity; and, three, the process for obtaining the highest level of support through education, health and care plans is incredibly time-consuming and bureaucratic.

“The result is that schools are straining every sinew to provide support for young people with special educational needs - without adequate resources - but there are undoubted problems in delivering the support these children need.

“The government does recognise that there are serious issues and is planning a review of the system but this has been delayed by the pandemic. It clearly needs to tackle this issue urgently.”