Responding to a new IFS (Institute for Fiscal Studies) report highlighting how increase spending on special educational needs and disabilities is likely to translate into higher spending on young adults in the near future, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“There is no doubt that the current SEND system is in need of reform.

“The solution lies not in artificially cutting entitlement to support for children who need help, but in the government investing more in early identification of children’s needs and support at a younger age, helping prevent more intensive intervention becoming necessary as they get older.

“This will require upfront funding, but would reduce demand and costs down the line, delivering better outcomes for children and families, and ensuring more pupils with additional needs can remain in mainstream schools.

“Alongside this, we need reforms to make clear the need for better accountability and collaboration across all services, including social care and health – the onus cannot just be upon schools.”