A leading think-tank has issued a warning that councils could face significant additional costs for special educational needs and disabilities provision by 2029 if immediate reforms are not implemented.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has drawn attention to a substantial increase in high needs spending, which has surged by 66% in schools since 2016.
Recent data reveals that 5.2% of pupils under 16 in England have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), providing them with the highest level of support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Furthermore, the number of children receiving child disability living allowance (CDLA) has risen to 7.2%, up from 3.4% a decade ago, indicating a growing financial burden.
Projections from the IFS suggest that spending on EHCPs and CDLA, currently at £16 billion, is expected to reach £21 billion by 2029, more than doubling the expenditure in real terms from 2016. Additionally, high needs spending in schools is anticipated to increase by another £3 billion by 2029.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is developing plans to revamp the struggling SEND system in an upcoming white paper this autumn, raising concerns among parents about potential alterations to EHCPs.
While the percentage of children with ECHPs has risen, reaching 5%, local councils are finding it challenging to cover the associated costs.
Darcey Snape, a research economist at IFS, has indicated that a government White Paper expected this autumn will introduce reforms to Education, Health and Care Plans, suggesting a review of the long-standing child disability living allowance.
Leaders in the education sector emphasize the necessity for reform to address the shortcomings of the current SEND system, advocating for increased investment in early intervention and support for children with special needs.
Efforts are being made to collaborate between the government and local councils to address the challenges of the current SEND system, ensuring that the needs of children and families are prioritized and adequately supported.