The Briefing Room
Why is there a crisis in special educational needs?
Mar 13, 2025
David Thomas, a former headteacher and the CEO of Axiom Maths, delves into the pressing issues surrounding special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). He discusses the alarming rise in autism and ADHD diagnoses, which have surged by 780% in recent years. Thomas highlights the funding crisis facing local councils and the challenges parents face in securing adequate support for their children. He also examines Scotland's effective strategies for SEND, advocating for improved teacher training and collaboration to enhance educational outcomes.
28:37
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Quick takeaways
- The significant rise in diagnoses of conditions like autism and ADHD has led to a funding crisis, overwhelming local councils' budgets for SEND support.
- Parents are increasingly struggling to navigate the SEND system, often facing legal battles to secure necessary support for their children due to systemic inefficiencies.
Deep dives
Rising Demand for Special Educational Needs Support
The recent significant increase in the number of children requiring support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) has put immense pressure on public spending. The proportion of students receiving Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) has nearly doubled since 2017, rising from 2.8% to 4.8%, equating to around 430,000 children in the UK. Factors contributing to this surge include rising diagnoses of conditions such as autism and ADHD, alongside an increasing awareness of parents regarding their rights and entitlements to support. Despite this awareness, many parents struggle to navigate the system, often feeling compelled to resort to legal means to secure necessary support, indicating systemic inefficiencies.
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