SEND numbers have risen, DfE to investigate

A teenager in school uniform stands with his arms crossed, looking melancholic.

By DCProStaff

May 09, 2025

Department for Education | Education | Education News | Government Data | News | SEND | SEND News | Special Educational Needs and Disabilties

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced plans to investigate the sharp increase in the number of children requiring special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support in England. This move follows criticism from the Public Accounts Committee, which highlighted the government’s inadequate data and lack of a clear, costed reform plan.

The DfE aims to deliver a comprehensive reform strategy by the end of the year, focusing on enhancing data collection and analysis to better understand the surge in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The goal is to enable local authorities to provide high-quality, financially sustainable services for children and young people with SEND.

This initiative comes amid growing concerns over the financial strain on local councils, with some warning of potential insolvency due to escalating SEND costs. The DfE has committed to engaging with local authorities to develop fair and appropriate solutions to these challenges.

For more details, read the full article by Freddie Whittaker on Schools Week: DfE to investigate why SEND numbers have ballooned.

Sources:

  1. HM Treasury Minutes
  2. SEND: DfE to investigate why numbers have ballooned
  3. Record 576,000 pupils have special needs support plan in England | Special educational needs | The Guardian
  4. SEND in crisis: NAO’s 8 damning findings
  5. Nearly 20 councils in England ‘at risk of insolvency’ due to Send costs | Special educational needs | The Guardian

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