Dec 9, 2024, PA Media: Funding increases for pupils with special educational needs insufficient – IFS
Increased funding for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) in England has not been sufficient to cover rising levels of need, a group of economic experts has said.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said local authorities’ high-needs deficits could reach more than £8 billion [$10B] by 2027, and there could be “widespread bankruptcies” without reform to the Send funding system.
On the plans to deliver more support within mainstream schools, the IFS said: “It would be a massive change in what schools do and how they are funded.
“Schools would need to be able to offer core provision for pupils with a range of different types of Send, and do so without affecting existing provision.
“Many pupils with Send can present with challenging behaviour, which can be disruptive and take up staff time.
“Schools would need extra staff with the required skills, teachers would need to have further good-quality training, and extra physical space would be needed.”
Darcey Snape, IFS research economist and an author of the report, said: “The special educational needs system in England clearly requires urgent, radical change.
“Without reform, rises in need will push up annual spending up by at least £2–3 billion [$2.5B—$3.8B] in the next three years.
“The government has a clear preference for expanding core provision for special educational needs in mainstream schools.
“This would represent a massive change to the school system, necessitating major reform of the funding system, increased staffing and training, and much else.
“Any transition could also entail significant costs in the short run and the public finances are very tight.
“The crucial first step for the government is to set out a clear long-term vision. The transition path to a better system may run slowly, but it is necessary to take it given the present path of financial unsustainability.” . . .
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “While the extra funding announced by the new Government is positive, with demand continuing to rise, much more investment is vital as well as systemic reform to ensure children with additional needs get the right provision, at the right time, and in the right educational setting.
“It is important that the Government not only understands what is driving the current crisis, but also sets out a clear vision for a fully reformed system.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “This is the latest addition to the mountain of evidence on the failings of the SEND system which we inherited.
“Work has already begun to rebuild families’ confidence. The Budget invested £1 billion [$1.3B] in day-to-day services and last week £740 million [$944M] was directed to support local authorities create more specialist places in mainstream schools.”
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