The Audit Commission report, Out of Authority Placements for SpecialEducational Needs, slams joint working and commissioning betweeneducation, social care and health as underdeveloped. The watchdog alsocalled for a review of the way services for children with complexspecial needs are provided.
More than 11,000 pupils with a statement of special educational needsare placed in out-of-authority special schools, at an average annualcost of 57,150 per placement. Mostly these are children withautistic spectrum disorders and severe behavioural, emotional and socialdifficulties.
Councils cannot be sure they are achieving value for money and thereport says "the cost of placements in out-of-authority schools is highand increasing".
For instance, budgets for sending pupils to out-of-authority specialschools have increased by 79 per cent since 2000/01.
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
