Emergency warning over England’s SEN system
Leaders of England’s county councils have issued a stark warning: the care and support framework for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is perilously close to breaking down. They argue that without swift, systemic reforms, the most vulnerable students will suffer while local authorities struggle to deliver statutory duties and secure essential resources.
Why councils say the system is failing
At the heart of the crisis is a funding model that has not kept pace with demand. Local authorities report rising numbers of children needing assessments, plans, and tailored provision, alongside increasing complexity of needs. This has strained SEND services, delayed decisions, and lengthened waiting times for assessments, statements, and placements. Councils warn that repeated budget squeezes and delays in central government funding allocations have made it harder to recruit and retain qualified staff, from educational psychologists to specialist teachers.
Consequences for children and families
When plans are delayed or underfunded, families often face prolonged uncertainty about the support their child will receive in school and community settings. Gaps can appear in statutory obligations, such as the timely issue of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Local authorities say that these delays lead to uneven provision between districts, with some children receiving appropriate support while others experience interruption in essential services like speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral support.
What reforms are being urged?
Council leaders are calling for a comprehensive, coordinated reform package. Priorities include stable, long-term funding tied to actual demand; a faster, simpler EHCP process; clearer accountability for health partners; and investment in a robust workforce to deliver assessments, therapies, and school-based supports. They also advocate for regional accountability mechanisms to ensure consistency and protect children’s rights across England, rather than leaving families to navigate a patchwork of services.
Government response and next steps
The government has acknowledged the pressures within SEND services and has commissioned reviews aimed at improving access and efficiency. Critics argue that piecemeal tinkering will not address the underlying funding and capacity gaps. Supporters of reform emphasize the need for a clear timeline, measurable milestones, and shared responsibility between education, health, and social care partners to prevent further deterioration in outcomes for children with SEND.
What this means for schools and local communities
For schools, the SEN system’s fragility translates into more complex planning, rising administrative burdens, and the challenge of meeting diverse learning needs with finite resources. Communities may experience increased demand on school-based support teams, special classes, and inclusive education initiatives. The overarching concern is that without decisive reform, too many children and young people with SEND will experience delays, disruption, or insufficient provision during crucial years of development.
Looking ahead
As councils press for urgent reform, families and educators alike await a clear, funded plan from central government. The outcome will shape the educational and social trajectories of thousands of children with special educational needs and disabilities across England. The coming months are likely to see renewed calls for transparent accountability, sustained investment, and a more proactive, system-wide approach to SEND support.
