Families in neighbouring council areas are also seeing marked differences in the quality of support received. For example, in Lambeth seven in 10 education, health and care plans (EHCPs) are written on time but in nearby Southwark the proportion completed within the time limit is less than a fifth (see below graphic).
Despite spending £10.7bn a year on special educational needs and disabilities services, the system in England is failing to meet needs to such a degree there is a risk it will create a “lost generation” of children without major reform.
That is the verdict of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in its latest report on the SEND system, which it characterises as blighted by “an often chaotic and adversarial process liable to produce marked inequalities”.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
