MPs warn SEN education crisis could lead to a ‘lost generation’
Thousands of children with special educational needs risk being failed by an overwhelmed and underfunded SEN education system, MPs warn.
The UK's system for supporting children with special educational needs (SEN education) is in critical condition, say MPs. A scathing report warns that without urgent reforms, a “lost generation” of children may leave school without ever receiving the support they desperately need.
The report, from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), describes a system “mired in red tape, underfunded, and chaotic.” The number of children needing support is soaring, yet families face significant delays, unequal access, and growing uncertainty about the future.
More than 1.7 million school-aged children in England have special educational needs, with 576,000 of those requiring an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). These plans, designed to provide tailored support, are legal entitlements—but often take far longer to secure than the 20 weeks mandated by law.
Rachel Morgan, from Birmingham, spent years battling the system to get support for her seven-year-old son Max, who has autism and ADHD. Although Max now thrives at a specialist school, Rachel described the process to the BBC as a “never-ending battle.” The lack of local options means Max must endure a 45-minute commute to attend a suitable school.
Demand for EHCPs has surged by 140% over the past decade. The PAC report highlights that many councils struggle to meet demand, leading to delays and a “postcode lottery” of access.
Compounding these challenges are the financial pressures facing local authorities. Many councils are operating with significant deficits due to overspending on SEN education budgets. Alarmingly, 40% of councils could face bankruptcy next year when temporary financial protections expire.
The government has pledged £1bn to improve SEN education, including £740m to make school buildings more accessible. Schools Minister Catherine McKinnell acknowledged the deep-rooted nature of the problem, stating, “These problems have been failing families for far too long. We are committed to delivering the change families are crying out for.”
The PAC report sets out urgent recommendations, including better early intervention and reforms to make mainstream schools more inclusive. However, these changes will take time, and families like Rachel Morgan’s continue to grapple with a system that often feels overwhelming and unresponsive.
For the 1.7 million children reliant on SEN education, and their families, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Without decisive action, the risk of a “lost generation” remains all too real.
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Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.
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