Nearly one in five pupils in England are receiving support for special educational needs (SEN) in the classroom, according to government statistics. It comes as separate stats shows a sharp rise in the number of tribunals concerning special educational needs support, as parents challenge the support on offer for their child. Teaching unions say systemic change in special educational needs provision is "urgently needed" for schools and students. The government said it will set out more detailed plans for reforms to special educational needs in the autumn. The number of school pupils in England receiving support for special educational needs rose to more than 1.7 million, according to annual statistics from the Department for Education released on Thursday. That's a rise of 5.6%, or an extra 93,700 pupils compared to last year. It means nearly one in five of pupils in England (19.6%) are getting extra support for special educational needs, the highest proportion since stats were collected in this way. Over 482,000 of those pupils have an education, health and care plan (EHCP) - a legal document issued by local authorities that sets out the support a child needs. Since 2016, the number of children receiving all types of special needs support has risen by 44% and those with an EHCP has more than doubled. The EHCP increase has been driven by rising rates of autistic spectrum disorder among pupils, speech and language problems, and more pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, the independent think tank the Institute for Fiscal studies said. The statsshow autistic spectrum disorder is the most common need named on education, health and care plans. Although it is unclear what is behind the rise, the IFShas saidit could be down to better recognition of autistic spectrum disorder symptoms, particularly in girls. There's recent research that suggests reduced interactions during Covidimpacted speech and language developmentfor some children. Helping pupils struggling with their speech, language and communication is the most common type of special educational needs support that schools are giving, according to Thursday's data. Even getting an education, health and care plan in place for their child can be an ordeal for parents. Cath is a mum from Bristol. She is in the process of applying for an EHCP for her nine-year-old son, who has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD. She's currently getting his needs assessed to see what extra support can be put in place. She says his mainstream school have been supportive, but her son needs more support than they can offer without an EHCP. She says "having to go through the system and fight every step of the way - it takes a big toll on you." "We're constantly filling in forms and thinking what is best for our child." She says they are "in limbo" as his needs might not be great enough for a specialist school, but he is struggling in mainstream. "You're seeing them struggling and you're crying out for help and there's no one who can give it to you." Cath says she's concerned that the government will make changes to - or abolish -EHCPs in their upcoming reforms. Teaching unions have said that rising number of pupils who need extra support is putting more pressure on schools. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the headteacher's union the NAHT said "despite incredible efforts" the current system is "completely unsustainable". He said "schools face shortages of experts like educational psychologists and speech and language therapists, and a postcode lottery in accessing additional money from cash-strapped local authorities for pupils with the greatest needs - while parents are having to take councils to tribunal to get the places they want for their children due to a lack of capacity". More parents are turning to tribunals to challenge the support on offer for their child.Separate stats out todayfrom the Ministry of Justice show there were 24,000 SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) tribunals brought in the year to April, an increase of 36% on the previous year and the highest number on record. TheNational Audit Office said in a reportlast year that the SEND system as a whole "wasn't financially sustainable" and wasn't delivering better outcomes for children and young people, despite big increases in high-needs funding over the last 10 years. Local authorities are under huge financial pressure because of rising SEND needs. A deal holding £3bn of SEND deficits off local authorities books is due to run out next year. The government said in the spending review they would be setting out their long-awaited plans to reform the SEND system in England this autumn in a government white paper. They've also set aside £760m over two years to reform SEND from a transformation fund In response to today's figures for SEN pupils and the rise in SEND tribunals Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "Behind each one of these figures is a family desperately fighting for even the most basic support for their child, leaving a staggering number of parents exhausted while young people are denied precious help. "It doesn't have to be this way, and this government will deliver the reform that families are crying out for through our Plan for Change – giving an excellent education to every child. "We have already taken the first steps to identify and meet children's needs earlier in mainstream schools, including through more early intervention across speech and language, ADHD and autism to prevent needs from escalating and £740m to encourage councils to create more specialist places in mainstream schools." Additional data reporting by Harriet Agerholm
Record 1 in 5 pupils in England getting special education needs support
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"One in Five Pupils in England Receive Special Educational Needs Support"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Recent government statistics reveal that nearly one in five pupils in England, approximately 1.7 million students, are now receiving support for special educational needs (SEN) in schools. This figure marks a significant increase of 5.6% or an additional 93,700 pupils compared to last year, bringing the total proportion of students receiving such support to 19.6%, the highest recorded since tracking began. Among these, over 482,000 students have an education, health and care plan (EHCP), which is a legally binding document designed to outline the specific support required for each child. The rise in pupils needing support is attributed to a variety of factors, including a growing recognition of conditions such as autistic spectrum disorder and increased awareness of speech, language, and mental health issues, particularly following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Teaching unions have highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes to improve the SEN provision in schools, expressing concerns over the pressures faced by educational institutions and the challenges that parents encounter while navigating the support system for their children.
The increase in tribunal cases related to SEN support further underscores the difficulties families face. Recent data shows a 36% rise in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) tribunals, with 24,000 cases filed in the year leading up to April, marking the highest number on record. Parents often find themselves in a challenging position, having to advocate fiercely for their children's needs, sometimes leading to emotional and financial strain. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the struggles families endure, pledging that the government will introduce reforms aimed at improving the SEN system. This includes a commitment to early intervention strategies, increased funding, and the development of more specialist places within mainstream schools. However, the National Audit Office has previously warned that the current SEND system is financially unsustainable and is failing to deliver better outcomes for children, highlighting the urgent need for the government to act decisively in addressing these critical issues in the upcoming reform plans set to be unveiled this autumn.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a significant increase in the number of students in England receiving support for special educational needs (SEN), drawing attention to systemic issues within the educational framework. The data presented suggests a growing recognition of diverse educational needs, but it also reveals challenges faced by families in securing adequate support for their children.
Rise in Special Educational Needs Support
Recent statistics indicate that nearly 20% of pupils in England are now receiving SEN support, the highest percentage recorded. This increase, amounting to over 1.7 million students, underscores a shift in how educational needs are recognized and addressed within schools. The rise of 5.6% from the previous year points to a growing awareness among parents and educators regarding the importance of tailored educational support.
Challenges and Systemic Issues
The article mentions a sharp rise in tribunals concerning SEN support, suggesting that many parents are dissatisfied with the assistance provided. This reflects a broader concern expressed by teaching unions about the inadequacy of the current SEN framework. The upcoming government reforms are anticipated as a critical step toward addressing these systemic issues, although details remain forthcoming.
Implications of Increasing Numbers
The substantial increase in students with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) indicates a notable shift in the types of needs being recognized, particularly in relation to autism and mental health. The report attributes the rising numbers in EHCPs to better identification of needs, but it also hints at the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's developmental progress.
Public Perception and Potential Reactions
The data presented could foster a dual perception: on one hand, it can be seen as a positive development in recognizing and addressing educational needs; on the other, it may raise concerns about the adequacy of support systems in place. The push for systemic change suggests that parents may feel compelled to advocate more vigorously for their children, potentially leading to increased public discourse on educational policies.
Economic and Political Considerations
The implications of this report may extend beyond the classroom. If the government fails to adequately address these issues, it could face political backlash, particularly from families affected by inadequate SEN provisions. Furthermore, education funding may become a focal point in political debates, influencing future government budgets and policies.
Target Audiences
This report is likely to resonate with various stakeholders, including parents of children with special educational needs, educators, and policymakers. By highlighting the challenges in the current system, the article appeals to advocates for educational reform and those concerned about mental health and developmental support.
Market Impact
While this news may not directly influence stock markets, it could have indirect effects on companies involved in educational resources, mental health services, and special educational provisions. Stakeholders in these sectors may closely monitor government reforms and funding allocations that arise from this increased focus on SEN.
Connection to Global Trends
The issue of special educational needs is a global concern, and this article reflects a trend seen in many countries, where recognition and support for diverse educational needs are becoming increasingly prioritized. This aligns with broader discussions about inclusivity and mental health in education systems worldwide.
The overall reliability of this news is supported by the use of official government statistics and insights from independent think tanks, although the interpretation of the data can be influenced by the agendas of various stakeholders. The emphasis on systemic change suggests a recognition of existing shortcomings, which adds credibility to the report while also raising questions about the future direction of educational policies in England.