SEND Crisis: Staff Shortage Hurts Students
A new SEND crisis UK survey reveals 89% teachers say large classes and staff shortages block support, leaving special needs children struggling in schools.
According to a major survey of teachers in England's state schools, excessive class sizes and staff shortages are hindering teachers' ability to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
In the survey, conducted by the National Education Union (NEU), nine out of ten (89%) of the 10,000 participating teachers stated that class sizes are so large that they cannot be described as "truly inclusive." The survey was conducted ahead of the NEU's annual conference, which begins on Monday in Brighton.
Four out of five (83%) teachers reported that a lack of support staff in classrooms acts as a barrier to inclusion, while seven out of ten (69%) noted that a lack of access to specialist services is also a significant issue.
One teacher highlighted the plight of a student currently stuck on a waiting list. They remarked, "I have a boy in my class who is having suicidal thoughts, and he is facing a six-month wait just to be 'seen' by a specialist." They questioned, "How can this be?"
Only one in five (22%) of the survey respondents were confident that referring a student for SEND-related assessments, diagnostics, or support would result in them receiving the assistance they require; meanwhile, nine out of ten (88%) stated that an "inappropriate" curriculum also acts as a barrier to some extent.
These findings emerge shortly after the government published a 'White Paper' outlining its plans to improve inclusion within mainstream schools—as part of broader reforms to the special educational needs system—with the aim of providing better support for children with SEND.
Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the NEU, warned that mainstream schools currently possess neither the adequate resources nor the sufficient staffing levels required to meet existing needs. He also stated that the additional funding promised by the government to support these changes is insufficient.
He said, "While the NEU supports many of the principles outlined in the White Paper, this survey of teachers clearly demonstrates that mainstream schools currently possess neither the adequate resources nor the sufficient staffing to meet the existing needs of their students."
Kebede further added that schools would require "significantly greater resources" to achieve the government's objectives. Under current funding arrangements, the 'Inclusion Grant' received by an average primary school would amount to £13,000—a sum equivalent to the salary of a single part-time teaching assistant. Under proposals introduced last month by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, mainstream schools in England will be tasked with assessing students with special needs and formulating individualized support plans for them. Prior to the full implementation of these changes in 2029–30, schools will face an increased workload.
Software Services
The aim of this initiative is to provide support to many of the 1.3 million children attending state schools who have been identified as having special needs, but who currently do not hold an 'Education, Health and Care Plan' (EHCP)—a document currently required to access individualized support. In the future, eligibility for EHCPs will be restricted to those children with the most complex needs.
The Department for Education (DfE) will make £1.6 billion available to schools and colleges over a three-year period to enhance inclusion. Furthermore, £1.8 billion will be allocated to local authorities to enable them to appoint specialists whom schools can call upon for assistance when needed; and £200 million will be invested in additional training for teachers. A DfE spokesperson said: “This government is hugely ambitious for the future of every single child, which is why we have introduced once-in-a-generation reforms in the field of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)—to place ‘inclusion’ at the heart of the education system.”
“Through our £4bn investment, we are providing schools and teachers with greater resources and expertise. The aim of this investment is to enhance the training of teachers and support staff in the SEND sector, ensure that every educational institution has easy access to SEND specialists, and provide direct financial support to schools so they can implement changes that foster inclusion.”
Thank you for reading this content.
Thank you for reading this content.
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Angry
0
Sad
0
Wow
0
