NEU comments on SEND consultation

Commenting on the call for evidence on SEND funding announced today by Damian Hinds, Rosamund McNeil, Assistant General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:

“For too long, children with SEND have been disgracefully let down by this Government. The Government is out of touch with the reality of the SEND funding crisis in schools. This Ministerial review of SEND funding must prove to be a real step towards providing funding levels that allow SEND students to flourish. 

“It is time for Government to acknowledge that the number of children and young people with severe and complex needs has risen by a third since 2015, whilst funding for the High Needs sector has only increased by 7%. This funding shortfall has led to pupils with SEND missing out on £1.2billion of specialist provision.

“Teachers, parents, heads and support staff have shown a united front in their campaign for proper SEND funding to enable quality education – it is time for Government to listen.”