Large funding shortfalls for special educational needs in schools are causing “untold misery” for thousands of families, a teaching union says.
National Education Union analysis found spending was not keeping pace with rapidly increasing demand in nearly all (93%) of England’s local councils.
It said between 2015 and 2018, the number of special needs care plans grew 33%, while funding rose only 6%.
The government says it is investing an extra £100m in special needs places.
The NEU released its analysis of official figures at its annual conference in Liverpool where it will debate the issue.
It said nearly two-thirds of England’s local councils are spending less per pupil with complex needs than they were three years ago, in real terms.