Norfolk MP says local children 'being locked out' by lack of SEND provision
The number of pupils with SEND needs in the UK now stands at nearly 1.7 million, as of January 2024
Children across South Norfolk are being 'locked out' of finding their unique talent due to the lack of SEND provision in the county - according their MP.
The House of Commons library shows that over half of children in Norfolk being assessed for having SEND needs, aren't being given an outcome in twenty weeks.
"I was speaking to families who were just bursting into tears"
Ben Goldsborough was elected in July: "Special Educational Needs doesn't just mean 'disruptive children', it means children that need support to unlock their true potential.
"I was speaking to families who were just bursting into tears because they were feeling like they were bad parents. I had to hold into them and say, 'no, you care so passionately because your child is being let down by the system.
"It's something that also creates a financial pressure as much as an emotional one, you have amount of families who are having to take annual leave to ensure that they can care for their child.
"We need to be looking at how we're actually thinking about SEND policy. I've been really impressed by the new Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson when she said that it shouldn't be something that's an after-thought, instead it should be front and centre."
The main details, at a glance:
The number of pupils with SEND needs in the UK now stands at nearly 1.7 million, as of January 2024.
EHC plans:
At the start of the year-there were around 576,000 children and young people of all ages with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHC) - These are for those aged up to 25 who need more support than is available through special educational needs support.
This was an increase of 11.4% on 2023, which comes on top of a 9.3% increase between 2022 and 2023.
202\3 saw the highest number of new EHC plans issued since their phased introduction from 2014. 70
The time scale:
Of the new EHC plans issued in 2023, around 50% were issued within the 20 week time limit.
This is very slightly higher than in the previous year, 2022, when 49% were issued within 20 weeks.
This is very slightly higher than in the previous year, 2022, when 49% were issued within 20 weeks.
However, it is still lower than in 2021, when the equivalent figure was 60%. 2017 saw the highest proportion of plans issued within 20 weeks, at 65%.
The annual budget for SEND education
The annual SEN budget stood at £10.4bn (in real terms) in 2023-24. When adjusted for economy-wide inflation, this is an increase of around 38% since the 2018-19 financial year.
What's the new Government's plan for SEND Education?
In their 2024 manifesto, The Labour Party said:
"Labour will take a community-wide approach, improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs.
"We will make sure admissions decisions account for the needs of communities and require all schools to co-operate with their local authority on school admissions, SEND inclusion, and place planning."