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Special needs pupils 'need better support' in schools 'Cash shortage for special educational needs' support
(about 1 hour later)
Schools in England are struggling to support the 1.1 million pupils with special needs or disabilities (SEND) in mainstream classrooms, a report says.Schools in England are struggling to support the 1.1 million pupils with special needs or disabilities (SEND) in mainstream classrooms, a report says.
A survey of 1,100 school leaders found delays to assessments, insufficient budgets and cuts to local authorities were hampering the ability to cope.A survey of 1,100 school leaders found delays to assessments, insufficient budgets and cuts to local authorities were hampering the ability to cope.
The study by The Key, which provides leadership and management support to schools, calls for increased funding.The study by The Key, which provides leadership and management support to schools, calls for increased funding.
The government says it has increased funding for those with "high needs".The government says it has increased funding for those with "high needs".
Department for Education (DfE) statistics published last year showed there were more than 1.3 million children in England - 15% of pupils - identified as having special educational needs or disabilities.Department for Education (DfE) statistics published last year showed there were more than 1.3 million children in England - 15% of pupils - identified as having special educational needs or disabilities.
How are children with special educational needs supported?
Of these, 1.1 million are in mainstream schools rather than special schools.Of these, 1.1 million are in mainstream schools rather than special schools.
The research by The Key suggested:The research by The Key suggested:
Head teachers' concerns:Head teachers' concerns:
One said: "Teachers cannot possibly have or expect to gain knowledge, experience and skills to cope with the many differing needs of children now coming into school."One said: "Teachers cannot possibly have or expect to gain knowledge, experience and skills to cope with the many differing needs of children now coming into school."
Another said: "School funding is so stretched that schools are unable to absorb any additional staffing and funding demands for children with SEND.Another said: "School funding is so stretched that schools are unable to absorb any additional staffing and funding demands for children with SEND.
"The direction the curriculum is taking is also becoming less and less inclusive for these children, meaning schools need to look at alternative interventions which cost money and teacher time.""The direction the curriculum is taking is also becoming less and less inclusive for these children, meaning schools need to look at alternative interventions which cost money and teacher time."
The report follows government reforms, which came into effect in September 2014, that aimed to put each child and their family at the centre of discussions about support offered.The report follows government reforms, which came into effect in September 2014, that aimed to put each child and their family at the centre of discussions about support offered.
Under the Children and Families Act 2014, special educational needs statements and learning difficulty assessments (LDAs) have been replaced with education, health and care plans (EHCP) covering people up to the age of 25.Under the Children and Families Act 2014, special educational needs statements and learning difficulty assessments (LDAs) have been replaced with education, health and care plans (EHCP) covering people up to the age of 25.
Primary strainPrimary strain
The Key survey suggests primary schools are under the most strain when it comes to providing for pupils with SEND.The Key survey suggests primary schools are under the most strain when it comes to providing for pupils with SEND.
Eight in 10 primary school leaders said their budget was insufficient, while seven in 10 at secondary school level raised concerns about funding.Eight in 10 primary school leaders said their budget was insufficient, while seven in 10 at secondary school level raised concerns about funding.
Nine in 10 at primary level have had the support they receive for SEND provision affected by cuts to their local authority, while this was the case for eight in 10 secondary leaders.Nine in 10 at primary level have had the support they receive for SEND provision affected by cuts to their local authority, while this was the case for eight in 10 secondary leaders.
Delays in assessment of SEND and long waits for EHCPs also appear to be more common for children of primary school age.Delays in assessment of SEND and long waits for EHCPs also appear to be more common for children of primary school age.
Eight in 10 primary schools have pupils who have been waiting longer than expected, while the figure is just over six in 10 at secondary schools.Eight in 10 primary schools have pupils who have been waiting longer than expected, while the figure is just over six in 10 at secondary schools.
Fergal Roche, chief executive of The Key, said: "A year on from major reforms to the national system for SEND provision, these findings represent an important wake-up call from school leaders.Fergal Roche, chief executive of The Key, said: "A year on from major reforms to the national system for SEND provision, these findings represent an important wake-up call from school leaders.
"Schools need adequate funding and a holistic, well co-ordinated and resourced system of support behind them to provide effectively for children with SEND.""Schools need adequate funding and a holistic, well co-ordinated and resourced system of support behind them to provide effectively for children with SEND."
Cllr Roy Perry, chairman of the Local Government Association's children and young people board, said: "We were clear with the Department for Education at the time that implementing the SEND reforms in the Children and Families Bill was significantly underfunded by the government and this has been borne out in reality.Cllr Roy Perry, chairman of the Local Government Association's children and young people board, said: "We were clear with the Department for Education at the time that implementing the SEND reforms in the Children and Families Bill was significantly underfunded by the government and this has been borne out in reality.
"Councils are working hard to ensure all children and young people are being moved from SEND statements to EHCP by the deadline of 31 March 2018, but the transition process is complex.""Councils are working hard to ensure all children and young people are being moved from SEND statements to EHCP by the deadline of 31 March 2018, but the transition process is complex."
The DfE spokesman said: "Schools have a vital role to play in this work, which is why we've protected the overall school budget and increased the funding for children and young people with high needs by over £90m this year.The DfE spokesman said: "Schools have a vital role to play in this work, which is why we've protected the overall school budget and increased the funding for children and young people with high needs by over £90m this year.
"Ensuring teachers are trained to have an understanding of the needs of pupils with SEND is a key part of our drive to give all children access to the education they deserve.""Ensuring teachers are trained to have an understanding of the needs of pupils with SEND is a key part of our drive to give all children access to the education they deserve."
SEND training will form part of the new core content for initial teacher training, the spokesman added.SEND training will form part of the new core content for initial teacher training, the spokesman added.
Are you a parent or carer? What do you think about the suggested need for more support? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories.Are you a parent or carer? What do you think about the suggested need for more support? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories.
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