Features

Special educational needs and disabilities - Policy context

Fundamental reforms to services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities aim to transform the way support is provided and improve education and care outcomes.

Latest government prevalence data estimates that 900,000 children and young people in the UK have a special educational need and/or disability (see graphics). However, a 2010 study by Blackburn et al estimated the figure to be 950,000 (see research evidence).

Department for Work and Pensions data shows the most common childhood disabilities are social and behavioural, followed by learning disability and conditions affecting "stamina, breathing and fatigue". There are significantly different prevalence rates of conditions for males and females (see graphic). For example, boys are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with social and behavioural problems, but the rate for mobility problems is seven percentage points higher in girls.

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