Solving the SEND crisis Report

The UK Parliament’s Education Committee has recently published its “Solving the SEND Crisis” report, setting out the challenges currently facing children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as the reforms needed to improve support across education, health and social care. We have put together a summary of the key findings and recommendations, highlighting the areas most likely to affect parents, families, and educators. Our aim is to make this important document more accessible, so you can quickly understand what it means in practice and how the proposed changes could impact the SEND community.

What is the report / context

• It responds to a large inquiry into the growing crisis in the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England. UK Parliament Committees+2UK Parliament Committees+2

• The system “is not delivering as intended” since the Children and Families Act 2014. UK Parliament Committees

• Major problems include rising numbers of children with SEND, delays in assessment and support, lack of trust from parents, funding pressures, workforce shortages, and inconsistent provision. UK Parliament Committees+2UK Parliament Committees+2

The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) crisis in the UK has reached a critical point. Growing concerns have prompted urgent discussions within Parliament to seek genuine solutions. A recent report shines light on the challenges faced by families, revealing key findings and recommendations. It emphasizes not just what needs to be done, but also warns against ineffective solutions. Addressing these issues is essential to prevent serious risks for children and their families. Here’s a summary of the UK Parliament Education Committee’s report “Solving the SEND crisis” (September 2025), its key findings, issues, and recommendations:

Understanding the SEND Crisis

The SEND crisis reflects the increasing difficulties children with special educational needs and disabilities encounter while trying to get the education and support they deserve. Over the last decade, the percentage of children identified as having SEND has increased by more than 40%, leading to considerable strain on resources and services. Parents, educators, and policymakers are continuously wrestling with how to provide sufficient support in a complicated system.

The recent parliamentary 'Solving the SEND crisis report' aims to clarify these issues, detailing the current state of SEND services and family experiences. It highlights systemic failures and underscores the critical need for reform.

Key Findings of the Solving the SEND crisis Report

The report outlines several important findings that illustrate the extent of the SEND crisis:

1. Increased Demand for Services: Over the past five years, there has been a dramatic rise in demand, with more than 300,000 children identified as needing additional support. This surge is creating immense pressure on local authorities and schools.

   
   

2. Funding Shortages: A staggering 80% of local authorities report being unable to fulfill the educational needs of every child due to budget constraints. These financial shortages severely limit the capacity to deliver essential services.

   
   

3. Inequitable Access to Services: The report highlights significant regional disparities in access to SEND services. For example, children in affluent areas often have access to robust support, while those in poorer regions frequently face a lack of resources, resulting in different educational outcomes.

   
   

4. Parental Frustration: Many parents feel lost and overwhelmed while trying to secure necessary support for their children. A survey found that over 60% of parents experience stress due to bureaucratic hurdles and poor communication within the system.

   
   

5. Impact on Children’s Wellbeing: Children with SEND are often not receiving the support they need, which can lead to long-term negative effects on their educational and emotional wellbeing. The report warns that without timely interventions, these children risk lifelong challenges.

   
   

What the Report Says is Not the Solution

While the report provides valuable insights, it also identifies certain proposed solutions that are unlikely to address the core issues of the SEND crisis:

1. Over-reliance on Standardized Testing: Relying heavily on standardized tests can mask the individual needs of children with SEND. A more holistic approach, such as performance assessments based on child-specific benchmarks, is necessary for accurately measuring progress.

   
   

2. Short-term Funding Increases: Temporary funding boosts may offer relief but fail to tackle systemic underfunding. For lasting improvements, ongoing financial support is essential for local authorities.

   
   

3. One-size-fits-all Approaches: Policies that apply universally fail to consider the diverse developmental needs of children with SEND. Custom interventions are critical for effective support.

   
   

4. Neglecting Parental Input: Parents provide invaluable insights into their children’s needs. When policymakers ignore their voices, solutions may miss the mark, leading to inadequate support structures.

   
   

Why This is Urgent

Tackling the SEND crisis is urgently needed. If the situation remains unaddressed, the implications for children, families, and society could be severe:

1. Educational Disparities: Without proper support, children with SEND are at risk of falling behind their peers. Studies show that early interventions can improve educational outcomes by 30%.

   
   

2. Increased Mental Health Issues: The stress of navigating the SEND system can lead to heightened anxiety and depression rates among children and parents alike. Early intervention strategies are essential in minimizing these mental health challenges.

   
   

3. Strain on Resources: The ongoing rise in demand for SEND support will continue placing pressure on local authorities and schools, risking a decline in service quality.

   
   

4. Social Inequality: The SEND crisis disproportionately affects children from disadvantaged backgrounds, amplifying social inequalities. Research indicates that disadvantaged children are twice as likely to be identified with SEND compared to their peers.

   
   

5. Long-term Economic Impact: Failing to adequately support children with SEND may hinder their ability to contribute as adults. This could negatively affect the economy, as more children may struggle to enter the workforce successfully.

   
   

Children enjoying a school playground

Moving Forward: Recommendations for Change

To address the SEND crisis effectively, the report proposes several key recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders:

1. Increase Funding: An essential step is to significantly boost funding for SEND services. This will enable local authorities to meet the educational needs of all children requiring support.

   
   

2. Tailored Support Plans: Developing individualized education plans (IEPs) for children can lead to improved outcomes. For instance, schools that implement tailored plans see a 25% increase in student engagement.

   
   

3. Enhanced Training for Educators: Educators must receive specialized training and on-going resources to effectively support children with SEND. Investing in professional development programs can create more inclusive classrooms.

   
   

4. Strengthening Parental Engagement: Encouraging active parental involvement in educational decisions can lead to better policies and support systems. Successful support networks often include regular communication with families.

   
   

5. Regular Review of Policies: Continuous evaluation of SEND policies ensures they remain effective and responsive to the needs of children and families.

   
   

Children participating in a classroom activity

The Path Ahead

Addressing the SEND crisis in the UK is a critical concern that requires immediate action. The recent report from Parliament clarifies the challenges children with special educational needs and disabilities face.

By focusing on the report's key findings and steering clear of misguided solutions, policymakers and stakeholders can work towards implementing effective changes. The stakes are high, with far-reaching consequences for children, families, and society. Emphasizing the needs of children with SEND is essential to provide them with the support and opportunities they truly deserve.

Collaboration among policymakers, educators, and families is vital for fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all children.