Responding to a new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies
(IFS) on the 'broken' special educational needs system, Paul
Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:
“It is clear that despite the best efforts of schools and local
authorities, too many children with additional needs are not
receiving the support they deserve.
“While the extra funding announced by the new government is
positive, with demand continuing to rise, much more investment is
vital as well as systemic reform to ensure children with
additional needs get the right provision, at the right time, and
in the right educational setting.
“It is important that the government not only understands what is
driving the current crisis, but also sets out a clear vision for
a fully reformed system.
“Big changes are needed to end the current postcode lottery and
ensure pupils with similar needs can access equitable and
sufficient funding, irrespective of where they live or whether
they attend a mainstream or special school.
“Reforms will only go so far without investment, however, and the
truth is that too many schools lack the funding, space,
facilities and access to specialists needed. Shockingly, per
pupil funding for special schools has been frozen at £10,000
since 2013, despite spiralling inflation.
“Current underfunding of the system has left both schools and
councils struggling with severe deficits. In the short-term we
need to address those deficits, and then find a more sustainable
approach to SEND funding.
“Ensuring mainstream schools have sufficient funding to be able
to meet the needs of the large majority of pupils is essential,
but we must not forget the crucial role played by specialist
provision too. Both parts of the sector must be adequately funded
and properly resourced if we are to have a system that caters for
all children and young people.”
