Crisis in England's Special Education System Marks Risk of "Lost Generation"

A report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised alarms about the escalating crisis in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England. The committee warns that the current state of the system could lead to a "lost generation" of children, with nearly half of local authorities managing education facing potential bankruptcy within the next 15 months if urgent changes are not made.

The report highlights a lack of progress from the government in addressing the SEND crisis, noting that families are struggling to obtain the necessary support for their children. Many parents find themselves navigating a complicated system that favors those who are better equipped to manage the challenges. This has led to significant discrepancies in the provision of education, health, and care plans, which are critical for children requiring extra support.

For instance, the report points out that while Lambeth successfully completed 71.5% of plans within the legally mandated 20-week timeframe, neighboring Southwark only managed to complete 19.2% on time. As demand for SEND support has soared—140% since 2015—local councils have increasingly overspent on their budgets and relied on independent schools for specialist placements.

According to the PAC, 66 local authorities may breach their responsibilities to maintain a balanced budget once a temporary measure allowing them to exclude high needs deficits expires in March 2026, potentially creating a cumulative deficit of £4.6 billion.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, PAC chair, emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging the government to take substantial action. Arooj Shah, chair of the Local Government Association’s children and young people board, called for comprehensive reform to ensure financial stability for councils and adequate support for families.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson noted that mainstream schools will receive an additional £740 million to create more specialist placements, reaffirming the government's commitment to improve inclusion in education.