Northumberland council calls for urgent review of SEND provision as demand outstrips funding
The authority has described the current situation as "unsustainable"
The leader of Northumberland County Council has urged the government to review special educational need and disability (SEND) services, as demand has increased rapidly.
Numbers of people who need these provisions in the county have risen by 92%, while funding has only increased by 16%.
Between 2017 and 2024, the number of children with an education and healthcare plan (EHCP) in Northumberland rose by 104.11% and a further 22.49% in 2024/25.
This has led to huge financial pressure – in July, school leaders were told there was an overspend of £9.187 million in 2024/25
Nearly 5,000 children in the region are expected to need some form of special education plan by the end of the next school year.
Councillor Glen Sanderson described the situation as "unsustainable."
He said: “I have personally listened to parents who have struggled through a statutory system which is woefully underfunded and no longer fit for purpose.
"Many feel stuck in a process of appeals and tribunals when they simply want to secure the education support their children badly need.”
Cllr Sanderson has written to the Secretary of State for Education, where he has called for extra funding.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “This government inherited a SEND system on its knees, with thousands of families struggling to get the right support.
“We’re determined to put that right by improving mainstream inclusion so every child can thrive at their local school."