A parliamentary committee has issued a stark warning over an 'exponential' and unsustainable rise in referrals for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with cases of suspected ADHD contributing significantly to the surge.
The damning report from the Public Accounts Committee reveals a system buckling under immense pressure, failing to keep pace with the soaring demand for support. MPs have highlighted a critical postcode lottery, where a child's access to vital services is heavily dependent on their location.
A System Under Siege
The investigation uncovered that the number of education, health and care plans (EHCPs) has skyrocketed, soaring from 2015 levels and showing no signs of slowing down. This unprecedented demand is creating severe financial strain on local authorities, many of which are overspending their dedicated SEND budgets.
Committee members expressed grave concerns that without immediate and significant intervention from the Department for Education (DfE), the entire support structure for vulnerable children is at risk of collapse.
The ADHD Assessment Crisis
A key driver of this crisis is the dramatic increase in referrals for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder assessments. Long waiting times within the NHS for a formal diagnosis mean that schools are often left to manage complex needs without the necessary resources or expertise.
This delay in diagnosis and support can have a devastating impact on a child's educational progress and mental wellbeing, leaving them at a severe disadvantage.
Call for Urgent Government Action
The cross-party committee is demanding a coherent and fully-funded action plan from the government. Their recommendations include:
- Boosting funding: Providing immediate financial support to local councils to manage existing needs.
- Improving capacity: Investing in training for educational psychologists and specialist staff to reduce waiting times.
- Ensuring consistency: Ending the postcode lottery so every child has equal access to support, regardless of where they live.
- Early intervention: Focusing on identifying and supporting children's needs earlier within mainstream schools.
The report serves as a sobering reminder of the growing challenges facing the UK's education system and the urgent need for strategic investment to support its most vulnerable pupils.
