Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Accepted
Ensure DfE and DHSC collaborate to understand rising SEN demand and propose efficient support provision.
Conclusion
Without fully understanding why demand for support has increased, the Department’s ability to provide value for money is undermined. Over the last decade, demand for EHC plans has soared. In January 2024, there were 3 576,000 children with EHC plans, a 140% increase since 2015. A further 1.14 million were receiving SEN support in schools, up by 14% since 2015. This encompasses large increases in certain needs, including autistic spectrum disorders, but the Department could do more to better understand the reasons behind increasing demand. The Department considers that identifying and supporting SEN needs earlier could reduce demand and be more cost effective. It also plans to provide support to cohorts of pupils in the areas of fastest-rising demand, making funding less dependent on agreeing individual plans. The Department has not yet explained how it will evaluate the cost-effectiveness of special schools but has started to compare outcomes for children with similar needs in state special and mainstream schools. recommendation Within the next six months, the Department must work with the DHSC to better understand the reasons for increasing and changed demand for SEN support, and then set out how it will provide support more efficiently, such as through group support, identifying needs earlier and ensuring special schools reflect value for money.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendation but states it cannot meet the six-month deadline, promising further detail later this year. It highlights ongoing efforts and existing programmes, such as the Nuffield Early Language Intervention and the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools programme, to address rising demand and promote early intervention.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. committed to delivering a more inclusive education system based on early intervention. While it cannot commit to setting out plans in the next six months, it will set out further detail later this year. The department is collaborating with DHSC to address the increased pressure on SEN support in schools. Over the last decade there has been an increase in identified need internationally. However, in England, there has been a much steeper rise in SEND that attracts a statutory plan than in some similar countries. The department is working swiftly to ensure every child has the best chance in life. Early intervention is crucial to prevent unmet needs from escalating and to support children and young people to achieve their goals. The department funds the Nuffield Early Language Intervention and works with DHSC and NHS England on the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools programme, which deploys specialists from health and education workforces to strengthen training for teachers and upskill around 1,680 of mainstream primary schools, representing 10 per cent of these schools. It also funds the Early Language and Support for Every Child programme, which funds innovative workforce models to identify and support children and young people with Speech, Language and Communication Needs at an early stage. In 2024, the department brought together a group of leading neurodiversity experts to make recommendations to DfE Ministers on the best ways to support and meet the needs of neurodivergent children and young people in mainstream education settings. The department will continue to work with DHSC to provide early and effective support to meet need and prevent these needs from escalating.