CCN Analysis - Special Educational Needs & Disabilities: The Challenge Facing Counties

This was our first deep-dive into the growing issue of delivering special educaitonal needs and disaiblities (SEND) services in county areas.

Since the Children and Families Act 2014, the number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has increased sharply—up 47% nationally, with some areas experiencing much higher growth. This surge, combined with extended support up to age 25 and a shift toward more costly specialist placements, has significantly increased costs.

Local authorities are struggling to keep pace financially. High Needs Block budgets are routinely overspent, forcing councils to reallocate funds from mainstream education and exhaust reserves. Inspections of SEND services indicate declining performance, with an increasing proportion of areas requiring formal improvement plans.

Our report identifies key drivers of the crisis, including rising demand, transport costs, tribunal decisions favouring higher-cost provision, reduced early intervention services, and limited control over local provision. It argues that reforms have expanded entitlements without providing matching resources.

While additional funding is essential, our report calls for structural reform. Recommendations include clearer guidance on resource use, increasing local specialist provision, improving oversight of independent special schools, and granting councils greater authority to direct placements. Overall, it concludes the current system is financially unsustainable without significant policy changes.

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