ENGLAND: Mainstream/special schools unable to support 'growing number of SEND pupils'

Mar 31, 2025, Bedford Today: Special schools in Bedford overcrowded – as 'huge amount of work needed to rescue the special needs system'

https://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/news/people/special-schools-in-bedford-overcrowded-as-huge-amount-of-work-needed-to-rescue-the-special-needs-system-5058819#  

N of London

Special schools in Bedford were overcrowded last academic year, new figures show.

On Thursday the Department for Education announced 10,000 new school places will be funded for children with special educational needs.

It comes after the Government set aside £740 million in December to increase places for pupils with SEND.

New DfE figures show there were 435 pupils with SEND on roll in Bedford in the 2023-24 school year, but only 416 places in special schools – meaning schools were overcrowded.

Meanwhile, there was a gap of 6,574 places in special schools across England, with 160,036 pupils with SEND on roll last year, but only 153,462 places available.

The DfE said the proportion of pupils with an education, health and care plan – which sets out the provision of SEND support needed – that will need a place in specialist provision in England is "forecast to increase" in the years to come.

Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

"Both mainstream and special schools lack the capacity and resources required to best support the growing number of SEND pupils and it’s clear this needs to change.

"There is a huge amount of work that needs to be done to rescue the SEND system and ensure all pupils get timely and effective support."