Today (Tues 16 Sept), the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) publishes a new report: Reforming the SEND System in England.

Drawing on evidence gathered from sessions with a broad range of perspectives and experiences from practitioners to regulators, the report examines the challenges in the current SEND system, the characteristics of a functioning SEND system, and makes recommendations for reform.

The main findings that emerged are the critical importance of early identification and intervention, and the need for a joined-up multi-service approach, supported by legislation that requires collaboration and joint accountability.

Labour MP Olivia Blake MP, who is Chair of the All-Party group, said: “The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system in England is in urgent need of reform. Despite increases in funding, the system remains fragmented and under-resourced, with significant weaknesses in coordination, staffing, accountability and early intervention.

“Research by the Local Government Association (LGA) highlights the root causes of dysfunction and outlines the pressing need for a more integrated and functional model. This report explores the reasons for the current system’s failure, the implications for local authorities and the features of a successful SEND system.”

NAHT is the secretariat for the APPG for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.