A new report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a stark warning about the sustainability of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system in England. Without urgent reform, thousands of children risk missing out on the support they need, while nearly half of local authorities face severe financial pressures that could push them to the brink of bankruptcy within the next 15 months. The report highlights widespread challenges, including inconsistent support, rising demand, and an unsustainable funding model that requires immediate attention.

The PAC has highlighted a critical failure in the SEND system, where outcomes for children have stagnated, confidence among families has eroded, and nearly half of local authorities in England face bankruptcy within the next 15 months. This crisis requires urgent intervention to ensure families across rural and urban areas can access equitable and timely support.

The report underscores a "postcode lottery" in accessing Educational Health and Care (EHC) plans. A stark disparity exists across local authorities—71.5% of EHC plans in Lambeth are issued within 20 weeks, compared to only 19.2% in neighbouring Southwark. Rural areas, particularly in the South, South-West, and East of England, are among the hardest hit.

This inconsistency leaves families in rural communities, often already grappling with limited resources, at a severe disadvantage.

Since 2015, the number of children requiring SEN support has increased by 14%, with demand for EHC plans soaring by 140%. Despite this, the Department for Education (DfE) lacks a clear understanding of why this demand has risen. Without this knowledge, the system remains ill-equipped to deliver.

The PAC highlights systemic barriers, including insufficient teacher training and a lack of early identification measures. The Government must establish clear expectations for SEN provision and accountability mechanisms for schools to foster inclusivity.

The report further reveals that piecemeal interventions have failed to address the mounting financial burden on local authorities. Persistent SEN-related overspends threaten the financial viability of many councils, creating a broader risk for local government stability.

The PAC has called on the Government to collaborate with local authorities to develop a fair and sustainable funding solution, acknowledging the existential financial risks posed by the current system.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Chair of the Committee, described the situation as an "emergency" that has been allowed to persist for far too long. He emphasised the gravity of the issue, stating, “As a nation, we are failing countless children. Every day that goes by for families not receiving the right support is another day closer to a lost generation of young people.”

Read the report and the full PAC comment HERE.