Councils are at risk of facing significantly higher costs for special educational needs and disabilities provision by 2029 if urgent changes are not implemented, as highlighted by a prominent think-tank. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) pointed out a substantial increase in high needs spending, which has surged by 66% in schools since 2016.
Recent data revealed that 5.2% of pupils under 16 in England possess an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), while 7.2% receive child disability living allowance (CDLA), compared to 3.4% a decade ago. The total spending on EHCPs and CDLA currently stands at £16 billion and is projected to reach £21 billion by 2029, more than doubling the real-terms expenditure in 2016. Additionally, high needs spending in schools is anticipated to rise by an extra £3 billion by 2029.
In response to these challenges, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is devising plans to revamp the struggling SEND system in a forthcoming white paper. However, concerns have been raised by parents regarding potential alterations to EHCPs, which guarantee tailored support for children in need.
Despite the increase in the number of children with EHCPs, local councils are finding it challenging to manage the financial burden. The IFS has indicated that a government White Paper expected this autumn will propose reforms to Education, Health and Care Plans, suggesting a review of the child disability living allowance which has remained relatively unchanged for over three decades.
Various education leaders have expressed the urgent need for systematic improvements to better cater to the needs of children with SEND, emphasizing the importance of early identification and support to prevent more intensive interventions later on. The current system’s inadequacies have left schools underfunded, assessments delayed, and families frustrated and desperate due to gaps in support.
Efforts are being made by the Local Government Association and other stakeholders to push for a comprehensive reform of the SEND system, urging collaboration between the government and councils to address the challenges and ensure that the concerns of children and families are acknowledged and addressed effectively.