London schools ‘overwhelmed’ as record numbers of children need SEND support
London has more children needing SEND support than ever before, with growing pressure on schools, councils and families.
More children in London are needing special educational needs and disabilities support than ever before, according to new analysis by BBC London, as demand rises sharply and local authorities warn the system is under severe pressure.
The data highlights long-term growth in SEND need across the capital, alongside concerns about access to timely support and the sustainability of current funding arrangements.
Record rise in SEND support across London
Department for Education figures show that 267,368 children in London are currently receiving SEND support, up from 205,309 in 2015 to 2016. This represents an increase of nearly a third in under a decade.
The rise has been particularly pronounced among children with autistic spectrum disorder. Over the same period, the number of autistic pupils receiving support in the capital has increased by 158%, from 17,832 to 46,095.
SEND support covers a wide range of needs, including autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health needs, with provision delivered through mainstream schools, specialist units and special schools.
Delays and barriers to accessing support
Families seeking SEND support often face lengthy and complex processes before appropriate help is put in place. In many cases, children continue attending mainstream schools while assessments are ongoing, even when their needs are not being fully met.
Some pupils who struggle to cope in standard classroom settings are eventually moved into specialist resource bases attached to mainstream schools. These placements are typically secured through an Education, Health and Care Plan, known as an EHCP, which is a legal document outlining a child’s required support.
However, securing an EHCP can take months or years, with parents required to navigate assessments, paperwork and communication between schools, health services and local authorities.
Tribunals increasingly used to resolve SEND disputes
When families disagree with local authorities about the level or type of support being offered, cases can be taken to a SEND tribunal. These tribunals are designed to resolve disputes over EHCPs and school placements.
In London, an increasing number of parents are turning to tribunals after extended periods without resolution. Tribunal hearings can take many months to secure, during which time children may remain without appropriate provision.
Even after a successful tribunal outcome, further delays can occur while EHCPs are finalised and new school placements arranged.
Councils warn of growing financial pressure
London Councils, which represents all 33 boroughs in the capital, has warned that nearly half of local authorities are at risk of bankruptcy due to the rising cost of SEND provision.
The projected cumulative SEND-related deficit across London boroughs is expected to grow from £487 million in 2024 to 2025 to more than £1.4 billion by 2028 to 2029.
Caroline Woodley, London Councils’ lead for children and young people, told the BBC that councils are attempting to respond through early intervention, investment and more integrated support services, but acknowledged the scale of the challenge.
“It’s a real struggle for schools to meet that demand and for councils to step in when we also have our financial constraints,” she told the BBC.
She added that while recent government funding to create more specialist school places is welcome, it will take time before families see consistent improvements in support.
What happens next for SEND provision?
A long-awaited government overhaul of SEND provision has been delayed several times but is expected to be published soon.
Catriona Moore, policy manager at the Independent Provider of Special Education Advice, told the BBC there is a “crisis in the system” and warned that reforms should not reduce children’s existing rights.
“At the moment we have a system where children’s rights are clear but not always upheld. The solution is to make the system work as it should, not dismantle it.”
A Department for Education spokesperson told the BBC there would “always be a legal right to additional support”, with further funding increases planned and an emphasis on early intervention and inclusion in mainstream schools.
As demand continues to rise, the figures underline the scale of the challenge facing London’s schools and councils, and the urgency of reforms that deliver timely, consistent support for children who need it most.
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Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.