Survey Reveals Overwhelming Teacher Concern Over Class Sizes and Send Support
A comprehensive survey conducted by the National Education Union has uncovered significant challenges in mainstream schools regarding support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The findings indicate that nearly nine in ten educators feel current classroom conditions are inadequate.
Class Size Concerns Dominate Teacher Feedback
The survey of 10,311 NEU members found that 89% of teachers believe class sizes are too large, directly hindering their ability to properly support Send pupils. This overwhelming majority highlights a systemic issue affecting educational provision across England.
Furthermore, 83% of respondents identified staff shortages as a significant barrier to fully serving Send pupils, with an additional 15% considering it a minor barrier. This means 98% of teachers acknowledge staffing as a problem affecting special needs education.
Confidence in Support Systems Alarmingly Low
Only 22% of surveyed teachers expressed confidence that referring a pupil for Send assessment, diagnosis or support would actually result in them receiving the necessary help. This statistic reveals deep skepticism about the effectiveness of current bureaucratic processes.
NEU General Secretary Daniel Kebede emphasized the urgency of addressing these concerns, stating: "All children must have ready access to special needs support from their school without a long bureaucratic process. The planned inclusion grant must be increased."
Government Reforms and Funding Commitments
The government has proposed significant reforms to the Send system, including a statutory duty for schools to create digital individual support plans for every Send child. These reforms will be backed by substantial financial commitments:
- £1.6 billion over three years for mainstream schools, colleges and early years settings to improve inclusivity
- £1.8 billion over three years to create specialist banks in every area, including Send teachers and speech therapists
- £200 million dedicated to Send teacher training
However, Kebede warned that the average primary school's inclusion funding of approximately £13,000 could be "swallowed up" if institutions must make efficiencies to fund teacher pay rises.
Teacher Perspectives on Potential Solutions
When asked about potential improvements, 83% of teachers said additional funding for classroom support would have a major impact on Send provision at their school. Meanwhile, 73% believed funding for specialist access would similarly create significant positive change.
The Department for Education responded to the survey findings, stating: "This Government is fiercely ambitious for every single child, and that's why we've brought forward once-in-a-generation Send reforms to put inclusion at the heart of education."
The spokesperson added: "We're backing schools and teachers with more resource and expertise through our £4 billion investment to improve teacher and support staff training on Send, make sure every education setting has easy access to Send specialists, and funding directly for schools to make changes that improve inclusion."
Despite these commitments, the survey results suggest teachers remain concerned about whether current funding levels and staffing arrangements can adequately address the challenges facing Send pupils in mainstream education settings.
