SEND Crisis Risks Creating a 'Lost Generation' of Children

A recent report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has drawn attention to the worsening crisis in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision across England. The committee warns that the system is currently failing many children with SEND, putting an entire generation at risk of being left behind.

Key points from the report include:

• Severe financial pressures: Nearly half of all local authorities responsible for education services are at risk of bankruptcy within the next 15 months, largely due to rising SEND-related costs.

• Inequality in access: Families continue to face a ‘postcode lottery’ when seeking Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, with wide variations in waiting times and support depending on location.

• Systemic failings: The current system has been described as “chaotic and adversarial”, placing an unfair burden on families, particularly those without the resources or experience to navigate complex bureaucratic processes.

The PAC also criticised the Department for Education for a lack of urgency in addressing these issues, despite repeated warnings and ongoing struggles for many families across the country.

At the Saliha Sardar Trust, we are deeply aware of the challenges facing children with SEND and their families. Our work aims to help fill the gaps in support by funding vital items and services that make a real difference. We believe every child deserves to feel supported, understood and empowered.

You can read the full article here: SEND crisis in England risks creating 'lost generation' of children – The Guardian