(UK) Northumberland: 100% increase in SPED plans in 6 yrs; "autism is most-identified primary need"
- The end of childhood
- Nov 8
- 1 min read
Nov 7, 2025, Chronicle: Two primary needs account for over half of Northumberland's education plans amid rapid rise
NE England
The council has been working on a new special educational needs strategy for the next three years
Children with autism and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs account for more than half of the education and healthcare plans issued to youngsters
in Northumberland. It comes as the number of children with additional needs rises rapidly – the number of children requiring a plan rose from 1,679 in 2017 to 3,369 in 2023 – an increase of 100.6%
Autism is the most-identified primary need among Northumberland pupils at 28%, followed by SEMH at 27%. The autism figure is below the national average (32%) but the SEMH figure is higher than both the regional (22%) and national (21%) figures.
The figures were revealed as part of Northumberland County Council’s new SEND strategy, which will be in place until 2028. It sets out how the council will work alongside partners to meet the need of children, young people and families who need support and services. . . .
She said: “We have been through a number of SEND strategies over the years and they have a life cycle. We have come to the end of the last cycle at the end of 2024.. . .
Director of Education, SEND and Skills David Street said: “There is shared statutory responsibility between education, health and schools to care for SEND learners aged 0 to 25.
“The strategy has been designed around developments and needs of the learners in Northumberland. The most important thing is the person’s lived experience.”
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