One in five mainstream schools report that their special educational needs facilities are 'not fit for purpose', dealing a blow to Labour's landmark reforms, according to new research. A straw poll of 284 headteachers found that 20 per cent have special needs classrooms, outdoor spaces, or sensory rooms that are either inadequate or closed.
Impact on Labour's Send Reforms
The findings, published by the NAHT teaching union, come as a setback for Labour ministers who unveiled a White Paper in February outlining ambitious special needs reforms. The government's plan aims to reduce costs for councils by shifting more responsibility for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) to mainstream schools. This could result in more Send pupils being educated in mainstream settings rather than in special schools.
Ministers have pledged £3.7 billion from this year to 2030 to adapt mainstream classrooms for Send pupils. However, the NAHT argues that this funding is insufficient to address the scale of the problem.
Union Response
An NAHT spokesperson said: 'These findings show that in many schools, existing buildings and facilities used to support pupils with Send are not up to scratch. The Government has demonstrated a commitment to creating more specialist places, including in mainstream schools, but should not underestimate the scale of work required in the years ahead. This is not just about creating new spaces but ensuring the ones we have are fit for purpose.' The union added that any new special needs places 'must be matched with sustained investment over time.'
The unweighted poll covered NAHT members, primarily primary school heads. A separate survey of 326 headteachers from all school types found that 51 per cent had areas of their school that were out of use or unfit for purpose. Respondents reported crumbling buildings, mouldy walls, leaking roofs, and collapsed drains. Among those with subpar areas, 65 per cent said toilet blocks needed refurbishment, and 8 per cent had closed toilets.
Headteachers' Concerns
NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman described some schools as being in a 'desperate situation'. He said: 'No child or teacher should be expected to operate in draughty, crumbling buildings – doing so can risk their learning, health and safety.' At the NAHT's annual conference later this week, members will debate a motion to lobby the government for more funding for repairs.
Steve Hitchcock, headteacher at St Peter's CE Primary School in Budleigh Salterton, commented: 'I don't have enough money to replace carpets and decorate – simple annual tasks.' Another headteacher said: 'We have rooms that are closed to children, walls covered in mould, a leaking roof, sinking floorboards, unfit windows and a condemned playground.'
Government Response
A Department for Education spokesperson responded: 'We are already turning the page on years of decline in the school estate - fixing a legacy of neglect, committing to removing RAAC for good and delivering a decade of national renewal. Schools have had to patch and mend buildings for too long – that ends under this government. For the first time, we are providing long-term investment, rising to almost £3 billion per year over the next decade to improve the condition of our schools and colleges. It's about more than just buildings - it's about showing children that their education matters, their futures matter, and this government is determined to give them the best possible start in life.'
