“This report provides further evidence around the vital importance of inclusive schools and a properly funded SEND system.

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Responding to a report from University College London’s Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health on how 80 per cent of children in care have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said:
 
“This report provides further evidence around the vital importance of inclusive schools and a properly funded SEND system.
 
“Since the introduction of the Children and Families Act in 2014, which extended eligibility for SEND support, councils have seen a near 50 per cent rise in children and young people with Education, Health and Care plans– which state the support a child with SEND can receive. There are currently 354,000 pupils with EHCPs, an 11 per cent increase since last year alone. Government funding has simply not kept up with the increased demand.

“Meanwhile, the number of children in care has increased year on year for the last decade. Virtual school heads work hard to make sure these children get the support they need to thrive at school, but pressures on SEND funding make it extremely difficult.

“Extra SEND funding this year will help and the Government’s reviews of SEND and the children’s care system are key opportunities to ensure all children get the support they need. Councils want to work with the Government, families and children to ensure these reviews make a real difference.”

*an LGA article

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