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SEND in Schools

James Gore -

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Phase blog. For many of us, this has been the first full week back at work/school in 2025; I hope it's been a good one for you! This week I read an interesting BBC article about what Ofsted's chief inspector has said about SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision in UK schools. I thought it was worth writing a blog about!

Sir Martyn Oliver declared that SEND is the "biggest issue" affecting schools in England. He pointed to the system's high costs and often disappointing outcomes as a "lose-lose situation".

This news might feel disheartening, especially for parents and educators working tirelessly to support SEND students. However, the BBC article breaks down the challenges and offers some hopeful propositions as to what can be done.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

Over 1.6 million children in England have SEND, a number that has grown significantly in recent years. This increase puts immense pressure on schools and resources, often leading to difficulties in providing adequate support.

What are the Challenges?

  • Funding: Despite recent funding increases, many schools still struggle to provide the necessary resources and specialist staff to meet the diverse needs of SEND students.
  • Inclusion: While mainstream schools are striving to be more inclusive, there are still barriers to full inclusion for many SEND students.
  • Early Intervention: Early identification and intervention are crucial for SEND students, but access to timely assessments and support can be challenging.
  • Collaboration: Effective support for SEND students requires strong collaboration between parents, teachers, schools, and local authorities, which can be difficult to achieve.

What Can Be Done?

  • Increased Investment: Continued investment in SEND provision is essential to ensure that schools have the resources they need to support all students.
  • Teacher Training: Providing teachers with high-quality training in SEND and inclusive practices will equip them to better meet the needs of diverse learners.
  • Early Identification and Support: Improving access to early identification and intervention services can help SEND students reach their full potential.
  • Parent Partnerships: Building strong partnerships with parents is crucial for ensuring that SEND students receive the support they need both at home and at school.

The challenges facing SEND education in England are significant, but they are not insurmountable. By working together, parents, educators, and policymakers can create a more inclusive and supportive education system for all students.

You can read the full article, which also discusses the DfE looking into potential annual safeguarding reviews in every school, here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy7kre3yz8do

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