Ellie Ames 25 July 2024

Landmark report finds SEND system ‘broken’

Landmark report finds SEND system ‘broken’ image
Image: AnnGaysorn / Shutterstock.com

Major reforms introduced a decade ago have failed to improve educational outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), a report has found.

Commissioned by the County Councils Network (CCN) and the Local Government Association, the report by research and advisory firm Isos Partnership concluded that the current SEND system is not working for families, schools or councils.

This is despite significant SEND reform in 2014 and the fact that spending by councils is set to triple from £4bn in 2015 to £12bn by 2026.

To meet this demand in 2026, local authorities will face a £5bn funding gap – and while a temporary statutory override is keeping this deficit off their balance books until then, half of councils said they would cease to be solvent within three years if the override were to end tomorrow.

The report also concluded that the current SEND system creates ‘perverse incentives’ to shift responsibility between public bodies and is weighed down by an over-reliance on special schools due to a loss of parental confidence in the mainstream system.

It found a ‘strong consensus’ for radical reform that focusses on meeting the needs of more SEND children in mainstream education.

CCN chairman Tim Oliver said: ‘The SEND system is broken.

 ‘As this landmark report shows, the case for reform is unquestionable.

‘With a new government in place and elected on a “change” platform, it is vital that reform happens over the next 18 months.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Adult Social Worker Mental Health

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £52,767
Mental Health Social Worker
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Director of Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer)

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council
up to salary max £121,445 per annum
We are now seeking a Director of Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer to play a pivotal role Hybrid / Kingston Upon Thames
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council

Principal Engineer - Adoptions

West Northamptonshire Council
£49,587 - £52,860
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Highways Engineer to join our Highways Development Management team at West Northamptonshire Council. This is a senior role leading on the assessment, negotiation, and delivery of highway works linked t Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Head of Highway Operations

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 15 £63,002 - £69,103 per annum
As we begin to implement our new structure, we have an exciting leadership opportunity as the head of our new operations service. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Trainee Roadworker Driver

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 5 £25,185 - £25,583 per annum
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team undertaking all aspects of highways maintenance and improvement works Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council
Linkedin Banner