The National Audit Office (NAO) is set to release a report next week on the cost and performance of England’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system. The publication comes just before the upcoming budget and spending review.
In an article published by SchoolsWeek, Samantha Booth outlined four key concerns facing the new Labour government:
- Looming £2.5 billion deficit by 2026: Councils are forecasting a £2.5 billion deficit on their dedicated schools grant for 2024-25, up from £1.4 billion in 2023-24. Without continued statutory protection, many councils could face insolvency.
- Record funding, but stagnant outcomes: Despite a 65% increase in the high-needs budget to £10.3 billion, there is little improvement in outcomes for SEND pupils, with performance gaps remaining significant.
- Escalating costs of private SEND schooling: Spending on private special schools is expected to reach £1.7 billion in 2024-25, a 206% increase from 2015-16, with costs significantly higher than state provision.
- Limited success with £1.2 billion bailouts: Thirty-eight councils have entered “safety-valve” agreements for financial support, but only one has successfully eliminated its deficit, and several have had their bailouts suspended for not meeting targets.
It remains to be seen what the report will say, and what the new government will do about its findings.
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Sources:
SEND spend spotlight: the data keeping Labour up at night
