Paul Whiteman
General Secretary of School Leaders’ Union, the NAHT
Without a funding boost, schools can’t afford essential tech to support special education needs and disabilities (SEND) pupils.
As we consider the future of education, the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) must be at the forefront.
Funding gaps in SEND support
Despite increasing numbers of pupils with SEND, insufficient funding has failed to keep pace with levels of need for nearly a decade. We estimate the system needs an urgent extra £4.6 billion cash injection, simply to remain sustainable in the short term.* Chronic underinvestment has left services fractured, creating significant gaps that leave many families and schools without the support they need. Comprehensive systemic reform is now unavoidable, but that must be accompanied by the necessary investment.
The need for a national approach
There needs to be a shift towards a more equitable, national approach that would enable SEND resources to be distributed where they are needed most. This should be based on need, coupled with a degree of local flexibility to respond to each child’s unique requirements. A national system would ensure that every child can access the right support without schools having to divert funds from their core budgets to make up for any shortfall in health and social care SEND provision.
To make meaningful progress, the Government
must commit to providing sustainable, needs-
driven funding that reaches schools directly.
Emerging technologies offer hope
We should also not overlook the role that new and emerging technologies could play in supporting pupils with SEND. From speech and language aids that help children communicate more effectively to virtual classroom options that allow students to participate remotely when needed, these tools are critical. With proper funding, we could support well-trained, specialist staff in the use of technology to help keep children in mainstream settings when possible while enhancing support for those in specialist settings. However, right now, schools are struggling to even afford basic updates to their current technology.
Commitment to needs-driven funding
To make meaningful progress, the Government must commit to providing sustainable, needs-driven funding that reaches schools directly. For SEND students to truly thrive, the funding system must adapt to their evolving needs and be consistent across regions. Anything less risks leaving our most vulnerable children behind.
*Source: National Audit Office. 2024. Support for children and young people with special educational needs.