Teachers have expressed concerns about the large class sizes and inadequate staffing to support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), according to a recent survey conducted by the National Education Union (NEU).
The survey revealed that 89% of teachers believe class sizes are too large, with 83% citing a lack of staff as a significant obstacle to fully serving SEND pupils. Only 22% of the NEU members surveyed felt confident that referring a student for SEND assessment, diagnosis, or support would result in them receiving the necessary assistance.
NEU General Secretary Daniel Kebede has cautioned that mainstream schools are struggling to meet the current levels of need and called for increased funding for reforms to the SEND system. Kebede emphasized the importance of ensuring all children have access to special needs support without unnecessary bureaucracy, urging for a boost in the planned Inclusion Grant to provide schools with the resources needed to achieve the government’s ambitions outlined in the White Paper.
As part of the government’s SEND reforms, schools in England will be mandated to develop a digital Individual Support Plan (ISP) for each SEND student, and children with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) will undergo a review as they transition from primary to secondary school.
The reforms will be supported by a £1.6 billion investment over three years to enhance inclusivity in mainstream schools, colleges, and early years settings. A significant majority of teachers (83%) believe that additional funding for classroom support and access to specialists would greatly improve SEND provision in their schools.
In response, a Department for Education spokesperson emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive education, highlighting the £4 billion investment to enhance training for teachers and support staff on SEND, ensure access to SEND specialists, and provide direct funding to schools for inclusive improvements.
