Crisis in Care: The SEND System on the Brink of Collapse

The special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system for children in England is teetering on the brink of a total collapse, according to council leaders who warn that local authorities face a staggering projected deficit of £4.4 billion per year by 2029. This alarming prediction comes amidst growing demands for Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) which have risen by 10.8% from the previous year, with over 638,000 plans active in early 2025. The County Councils Network (CCN) highlights that the increasing reliance on costly placements and specialized provisions is exacerbating this financial strain.

Currently, approximately 194,000 pupils are in special schools, compared to just 109,000 in 2014/15, leading to projections that councils may spend £8 billion on such placements by the decade’s end. Many families endure significant challenges navigating a bureaucratic system that forces them to fight for necessary support; some, like Amanda Quick and Claire Naylor, have experienced severe personal and financial strains, including engaging solicitors to obtain rightful assistance for their children with ADHD and autism.

The CCN has called for sweeping changes, including the write-off of council deficits associated with SEND provisions and stricter criteria for EHCPs to ensure funds are directed to those who truly require them. Amid rising political tensions, with some fearing a dilution of essential legal protections for families, Labour MPs argue against potential reforms that could weaken support for vulnerable children. While the government has been criticized for delays in implementing necessary reforms, they have engaged in discussions aimed at improving mainstream school inclusion and early intervention. However, the success of such initiatives hinges on whether adequate funding is provided.

As the situation unfolds, the balance between managing finances and ensuring children receive the support they desperately need remains precarious. The coming months will be critical as decisions are made concerning the future structure and funding of the SEND system, with ample evidence indicating that without swift action, the crisis will deepen.