Union warns that crisis in special educational needs is negatively impacting provision for children

A lack of funding for children with special educational needs in schools has reached a critical point, with school leaders warning of a “full-blown crisis” that is harming provision for pupils. According to a poll conducted by the school leaders’ union NAHT, nearly all school leaders believe that the funding they receive for pupils with special education needs and disabilities (Send) is insufficient to meet the children’s needs.

The survey, which included 1,048 members of the NAHT in England, revealed that many school leaders have been forced to reduce the number of teaching assistants or hours worked by teaching assistants due to funding pressures. In fact, nearly four in five respondents said they had already made these cuts in the last three years, with a further 84% anticipating they would have to do so in the next three years.

The findings were presented on the second day of the NAHT’s annual conference in Newport, Wales, where delegates are set to debate motions on support for Send. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT, called on all political parties to pledge the “system-wide investment” needed to address the crisis.

Ian Kendal, executive headteacher at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Multi Academy Trust in Essex, emphasized the urgent need for more funding, stating that the current level of support is simply not enough. He highlighted the strain on mainstream settings to support pupils with complex needs due to a lack of capacity in special schools.

Whiteman stressed that the government’s failure to provide adequate funding has left schools in an “impossible position,” with growing demand for Send support and rising costs. He called for urgent action to fix the chaotic system and ensure that all children’s needs are met, especially the most vulnerable.

In response, a Department for Education spokesman defended the government’s efforts to increase funding for children with complex needs, stating that over £10.5 billion will be allocated next year, representing a 60% increase over the last five years. Additionally, £2.6 billion has been earmarked to create more places for children with Send, with a focus on providing support close to home.