LocalGov.co.uk - Your authority on UK local government masthead
William Eichler 07 January 2026

Need for SEND support in London hits record levels

Need for SEND support in London hits record levels image
© Halfpoint / Shutterstock.com.

The number of children in London requiring special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support has reached record levels, new analysis reveals.

Research by BBC London has found the number has jumped by nearly a third over the last 10 years – from 205,309 in 2015-16 to 267,368 in 2024-25.

According to the analysis of Department for Education (DfE) figures the number of children with autistic spectrum disorder in the capital has increased by 158% from 17,832 in 2015-16 to 46,095 in 2024-2025.

Check out this analysis of the SEND system by Darcey Snape from the think tank Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).

#Education #SEND #London

Analysis

Opinion

Most Popular News

Government U-turns on elections delays image
Government U-turns on elections delays
Former council worker jailed for nearly £900,000 theft image
Former council worker jailed for nearly £900,000 theft
Reform to offer Havering chance to join Essex image
Reform to offer Havering chance to join Essex
Auditors uncover significant weaknesses at Wirral image
Auditors uncover 'significant weaknesses' at Wirral
Call for £100k consultants to investigate care home sell off image
Call for £100k consultants to investigate care home sell off

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

Popular Topics

#Workforce #Waste management #Wales #Unions #Transport #Think tank #Social Housing #social care #SEND #Scotland #Schools #Safety #Regeneration #reform party uk #Property
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Executive Director of Place and Customer

Essex County Council
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

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Senior Voluntary Sector Grants and Project Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£43,545 - £52,767
Senior Voluntary Sector Grants and Proj... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Assistant Director Service Development

North Yorkshire Council
 £100,545 - £111,533 plus relocation support
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in learning more about North Yorkshire Council and this exciting role. Northallerton / hybrid
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Programme Lead – Local Transport Connectivity Plan

Oxfordshire County Council
£50269 - £53460
About Us You will be joining a collaborative, energetic, and fast-paced team within the Place Shaping Service. This team is responsible for developing and implementing the transport strategy and policies of Oxfordshire County Council. Each day presents d Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council
Linkedin Banner