Responding to research from the Local Government Association which found that most councils face insolvency over growing special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) deficits without reform to the system, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“These findings underline the disconnect between the resources available for supporting pupils with SEND and the provision children need, and shifting accountability for funding will not solve that fundamental issue.

“Even where councils are accumulating deficits, the support they are stretching to still often falls short of what schools and families require.

“It’s urgent this is addressed in the forthcoming white paper, both through systemic reform and significant investment. This must allow earlier identification of children’s needs and equip not just schools, but also community services including social care and health with the resources required to work collaboratively and ensure all pupils can get the right support at the right time in the right place.

“However, without writing off the current levels of debt, there is a risk of any new investment being seriously diluted.”