Spending on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England has surged to record levels, growing by 60% since 2015, according to a new analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). This substantial increase, which has seen expenditure rise to £13.6 billion last year, is placing immense financial pressure on local authorities across the country.
The IFS report highlights that the number of pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) has increased by 66% over the same period, reaching 576,000 children. These plans are legally binding documents outlining the additional support a child with SEND requires. The rapid growth in EHCPs is a key driver of the escalating costs, as they often entail more intensive and expensive provision.
Local authorities are struggling to manage these rising costs, with the IFS projecting a cumulative deficit of more than £2 billion in their dedicated schools grants by March 2025. This financial strain is forcing some councils to divert funds from other essential services or face severe budget shortfalls. The report underscores that while the government has increased funding for SEND, the demand and associated costs have outpaced these injections.
While acknowledging that increased identification of SEND can be positive, ensuring more children receive the support they need, the IFS warns that the current trajectory is unsustainable. They argue that without significant reforms, the system will continue to be plagued by financial difficulties, potentially impacting the quality and availability of support for vulnerable children. The report suggests that a deeper examination of the system's incentives and the effectiveness of current provisions is necessary.
The Department for Education has previously acknowledged the challenges within the SEND system and has outlined reforms through its SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan. However, the IFS report indicates that these measures may not be sufficient to address the fundamental financial pressures. Opposition parties have frequently criticised the Government's handling of SEND funding, arguing that years of underinvestment have led to the current crisis.
The implications for parents and children with SEND are significant. Delays in assessments, difficulties in securing appropriate provisions, and a postcode lottery in the quality of support are common complaints. The IFS's findings reinforce the urgent need for a long-term, sustainable solution that ensures all children with SEND receive the high-quality education and support they are entitled to, without bankrupting local councils.
Source: Institute for Fiscal Studies