Posted on Thursday 9th Jan 2025
7 January 2025
Special educational needs and disabilities (Send) is the "biggest issue" affecting schools in England, Ofsted's chief inspector has said.
Sir Martyn Oliver told the education committee that the Send system's high costs and poor outcomes represented a "lose-lose situation".
Government figures for the 2023/24 academic year showed more than 1.6 million children had Send, an increase of 101,000 from 2023.
Sir Martyn said the inspectorate had a duty to support the government in its plans to provide for Send children.
In December, the Department for Education (DfE) announced £740m of funding to increase the number of places available for Send pupils in mainstream schools.
Read more....
Can't find what you are looking for?
Don't worry, please call us anyway to discuss your ideal job.
Latest News
17/09/25More school-starters missing key skills, teachers say
Schools are "picking up the pieces" as more children start reception without key skills such as speaking in full sentences or using the toilet independently, teaching unions have told the BBC.
16/09/25Parents Protest against SEND plans
‘Our children matter’: parents protest against government’s Send overhaul plans
02/09/25School to expand on land earmarked for graveyard
A number of schools in Kent are set to expand, including one on to land previously reserved for a graveyard, in an effort to meet growing demand for school places.
14/07/25AI revolution to give teachers more time with pupils
Pupils across England will benefit from more face-to-face time with teachers as the government forges ahead with plans to harness the power of AI to deliver educational excellence.
08/07/25Children with special needs will 'always' have 'legal right' to support, education secretary says
Bridget Phillipson seeks to dampen a looming row over whether the government could scrap tailored plans for children with special needs - as some Labour MPs fear a repeat of the welfare row.
News Archive