Britain's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system is on the brink of collapse under the weight of soaring costs, according to a damning new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). The study reveals that spending on SEND has risen by 60% per pupil since 2015, hitting an estimated £12.6 billion each year – a staggering increase that is straining local authorities and schools to breaking point.
The IFS analysis shows that the number of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has surged by 65% since 2015. These plans are crucial documents outlining the support children with complex needs require. The growth in EHCPs, coupled with a 20% increase in children on SEN Support without an EHCP, indicates a massive expansion of the population needing specialist educational provision. This trend is placing immense financial burdens on local authorities, which collectively face a cumulative deficit of £1.5 billion in their dedicated SEND budgets.
The IFS report argues that the current system is financially unsustainable and often fails to deliver consistent, high-quality support for children with SEND. While acknowledging the vital importance of supporting these children, the institute suggests that the existing framework, particularly the statutory nature of EHCPs and the appeals process, contributes to escalating costs without always guaranteeing the best outcomes. The report highlights significant variations in SEND provision and outcomes across different local authority areas as evidence of systemic inefficiencies.
In response to these findings, the IFS has called for a comprehensive review of the entire SEND system. This would include re-evaluating eligibility criteria for EHCPs, reforming funding mechanisms, and exploring alternative models for delivering support. The aim is to create a more equitable, efficient, and sustainable system that can effectively meet the needs of children with SEND in the long term.
The Labour Party has frequently criticised the Government's handling of the SEND system, highlighting chronic underfunding and its impact on children and families. Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has previously stated that the system is 'broken' and called for a more strategic approach to ensure every child receives the support they need.