There is growing consensus among watchdogs, campaigners, parents, and educators that England is facing a special educational needs (SEN) crisis—characterized by rising demand, chronic underfunding, systemic delays, and mounting financial and emotional pressures on families and local authorities.

Currently, an estimated 1.7 million school-aged children—nearly one in five—have been identified with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The number of children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has soared by 140% since 2015, with projections continuing to climb.

The system is under severe strain. Fewer than half of EHCPs are issued within the legally mandated 20 weeks, and some families endure waits of 18 months or longer. Complaints to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman have quadrupled in recent years, with 96% upheld, yet many families still struggle to achieve meaningful resolution.

In December, the government announced £740 million in additional funding to create 10,000 new SEND school places within mainstream settings—an initiative it hopes will address “significant gaps in provision.” A white paper outlining implementation is expected this autumn.

However, delivery is likely to be uneven. Many local councils are already grappling with deep financial deficits following years of overspending on SEN provision.

The situation has been further exacerbated by the introduction of VAT on school fees, which is pushing more families with SEND children back into the state sector, adding to the already overwhelming pressure on the system.