The current approach to supporting children with special educational needs is no longer fit for purpose for families
A new report from the think Tank IPPR found that Last year, less than half of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) were issued within the statutory time limit of 20 weeks. For one in 14 young people, the wait was longer than a year.
The number of EHCP needs assessments conducted by local authorities has increased by 250 per cent between 2013 and 2024. Last year alone, 105,240 young people underwent an EHCP needs assessment. This surge means that more and more children are being forced to rely on a system already struggling to meet their needs.
One in five children are identified with special educational needs (19.5 per cent) and over 5 per cent of all pupils now access the highest level of special educational needs support through EHCPs, almost double the 2017 figure.
More assessments and more plans also mean more complaints and court cases. In 2023/24 there were 21,000 registered appeals, up 55 per cent on the previous year. Almost all were found in favour of parents.
The authors of the report say poverty and the Covid-19 pandemic are possible drivers of increasing need, alongside cuts to support services. The report highlights a 46 per cent fall on spending on early intervention between 2010/11 and 2021/22, the closure of 1,340 Sure Start centres over the same period, and a 26 per cent real terms cut to public health services since 2015/16.
The reliance on EHCPs means that funding and resources are taken away from early intervention in mainstream schools, which in turn creates a self-perpetuating cycle of high costs, growing waiting lists and more children with unmet needs.
Avnee Morjaria, associate director for public services at IPPR (and former teacher, school leader and OFSTED inspector), said:
“The SEND system is in a vicious cycle with help arriving only once children’s needs have intensified enough to warrant an EHCP. This syphons money away from early intervention in mainstream schools and is entirely unacceptable for families who should receive help without having to wait. It would be far better for most children to have their needs met sooner in mainstream settings by the people that know them best.”
Jo Harrison and Sarah Clarke, co-chairs of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums and IPPR Inclusion Taskforce members, said:
“Change for children, young people with SEND and their families must be meaningful, sequenced to ensure there is no unintended consequences, and developed in genuine collaboration with families.
“Every day, children and young people are missing out on education and the support they need to thrive in schools, while families continue to face lengthy, complex, and often exhausting processes to secure support. Too often, when support is agreed, it is either delayed, insufficient, or ineffective.
“Children and young people need timely, coordinated, and appropriate support across education, health and social care. This is essential to ensure children and young people can learn alongside their peers, feel a true sense of belonging in their schools and local communities, and develop the skills and confidence needed for happy and fulfilling futures.”
