Izzy Lepone 08 October 2025

Over 50% of teachers doubt SEND reforms

Over 50% of teachers doubt SEND reforms image
© gpointstudio / Shutterstock.com.

Over 70% of teachers think the children’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system is ineffective, research has revealed.

According to a YouGov survey for the education technology exhibition Bett, 72% of teachers working in primary and secondary schools think SEND do not believe services are working successfully.

More than half (56%) of the same teachers employed in both the state and private sectors reported that the Government’s proposed reforms to the system will have a negative impact on SEND pupils with complex needs.

A further 44% of secondary school teachers and 24% of primary teachers reportedly said they believe children are being incorrectly specified as having SEND, with 63% reporting that emotional or behavioural issues should have been identified instead of SEND.

The research is also said to have revealed that 80% of teachers have difficulty catering to the needs of children with and without SEND in one classroom.

A Department for Education spokesman told The Times: ‘This government inherited a Send system left on its knees, which is why we are engaging closely with children, parents and experts as we develop plans to ensure all children get the outcomes and life chances they deserve.’

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