Responding to a review into support for children with special
educational needs and disabilities (SEND) announced today by the
Department for Education, Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the
Local Government Association, said:
“This cross-government review of special educational needs and
disabilities (SEND) support is good news and is what the LGA has
previously called for to identify how we can tackle the immense
demand pressures councils are facing in providing vital care and
support for children and young people with SEND.
“Since the introduction of the Children and Families Act in 2014,
which extended eligibility for SEND support, councils have seen a
near 50 per cent rise in children and young people with Education,
Health and Care plans, to 354,000 in 2019, with more than 130
children and young people starting support plans with their council
every day.
“The extra £700 million for SEND announced in the Spending Round is
recognition of these pressures and will help councils in meeting
demand for support next year, but we believe that system reform is
necessary alongside additional funding.
“We are keen that this review also considers
inclusion because
we want to see all schools become more
inclusive, so that more children with high needs can be
appropriately supported in mainstream schools.
“We want to work with government and families and
children with SEND on this review to get a clear picture of why
demand and cost pressures are continuing to rise and what can be
done to make the system work more effectively for
everyone.”
