William Eichler 13 June 2024

Councils looking after record 576k children with SEND

Local authorities are looking after record numbers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), council chiefs say.

Councils issued more than 84,000 Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in 2023 – an increase of 26.6% on the previous year, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).

EHCPs set out the provision of SEND support for each person.

There are currently nearly 576,000 children and young people with an EHCP and assessment requests have jumped 20.8% since 2022.

The increase in EHCPs is also driving escalating costs of home-to-school transport for children with SEND, with a budgeted net spend of £1.4bn in 2023/24 – a 137% increase since 2016/17.

#LGA #Education #Transport #Funding #Schools #Children #disabilities #SEND

Underfunding, Not Demand, Is Breaking SEND

Jack Lowman, Sense, says properly funding the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system is vital for disabled children to get the best start.

Autumn Budget Insights: Time to deliver for adult social care

With demand rising, the Autumn Budget offers a critical chance to secure sustainable investment for adult social care, writes ADASS President Jess McGregor.

Most Popular News

Government U-turns on elections delays

Council appeals tribunal verdict

Call for stronger governance of AI transcription in social work

Auditors uncover 'significant weaknesses' at Wirral

Flexible voting options to be piloted during local elections

New Products

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

UK-first tool developed by Bluesky scores areas green credentials to aid urban planners

Case Studies

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland

Acrospire Enhances Harlington Underpass with Energy-Saving Vandal-Resistant Lighting

Company Anouncements

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Vent-Axia Welcomes Healthy Homes Standard

Vent-Axia Helps Tackle Condensation and Mould this World Ventilation Day

Airtech Calls For Urgent Government Action to Support Radon Awareness Week

Vent-Axia’s New Smart Fan Helps Landlords Stay Ahead of Awaab’s Law

Executive Director of Place and Customer

up to £179,404 per annum

Shape the Future of Essex. Drive climate action. Deliver for our communities. Essex

Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Social Work and Social Care

£100,731 to £104,625

You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester

Recuriter: Trafford Council

Southfields Care home Rated GOOD by CQC provides exceptional levels of support to older persons living with Dementia, Physical disabilities or /and Sensory impairments. Situated in a residential suburb in Northampton, offering a wonderful living environm Northampton

Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council