Spotlight on SEND

On 25th July, ITV News Regions and Nations brought a much-needed spotlight to the crisis in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The investigation, which featured on TV, online, ITVX, and social media, highlighted the dire state of SEND support, revealing the struggles faced by countless families and calling for urgent reform.

Shocking Findings

An exclusive poll commissioned by ITV News uncovered the harsh reality many parents and children with SEND face daily:

• Over half (58%) of SEND children have had to spend time out of school because their needs could not be met.
• Nearly a third (30%) of parents have had to use the legal system to fight for adequate provision for their children.
• 24% of these parents took out loans to cover legal costs.
• Major charities, including the National Autistic Society, have labelled the findings as a “huge wake-up call” for the government, demanding immediate reforms to the SEND system.

Detailed Analysis

The investigation included a comprehensive online survey of 1,161 parents of SEND children across England and Wales, conducted by Opinium. The survey revealed:

• 36% of SEND children who missed school were out for between a month and a year, with 7% out for over a year.
• 27% of parents rated their provision and support as poor.
• 43% of parents who used the legal system spent between £1,000 and £5,000 on legal fees, with nearly a third spending between £5,000 and £50,000.
• Many families had to dip into savings or take out loans to cover these costs. 

Regional Insights

Freedom of Information requests sent to over 100 councils revealed:

• 80% increase in appeals lodged against councils over improper SEND provision from 2021 to 2023.
• 46% rise in the number of these appeals ending in tribunal.
• 20,834 children across England were awaiting assessment for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) as of May 2024.
• 4,407 children with EHCPs were waiting for school places.

Human Stories of Struggle

ITV News highlighted personal stories of parents and children forced to wait years for essential provision, often leading to mental and financial strain. This crisis affects the most vulnerable, with the system designed to help them instead pushing many to the brink.

Calls for Reform

Katie Ghose, CEO of Kids, a member charity of the Disabled Children’s Partnership, praised ITV News’ research, stating it mirrored their own findings of families in desperate situations. The Local Government Association and other major organisations have called for immediate government action to address this systemic failure.

How the National Learning Group Can Help

At the National Learning Group, we understand the challenges faced by families of SEND children. Our mission is to provide the support and resources necessary to ensure every child receives the education they deserve. We offer tailored educational services designed to meet the unique needs of each child, helping them thrive academically and personally.

Conclusion

The ITV News investigation has shed light on the critical state of SEND provision in the UK. As calls for reform grow louder, the National Learning Group stands ready to support families, advocate for necessary changes, and provide high-quality education tailored to every child’s needs. Don’t navigate this challenging journey alone—contact us today to learn how we can help secure the best possible future for your child.

For more information on our services and how we can assist you, visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children with SEND.

References:

1. ITV News Regions and Nations Investigation
2. National Autistic Society Statements
3. Disabled Children’s Partnership Research