In response to calls made by the Liberal Democrats that a national agency should be set up to support children with special needs, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leaders' union, the NAHT said:

"There is no doubt the current approach to funding SEND isn’t working, and it's letting down children. The idea of a national body to determine funding is an interesting idea - addressing the postcode lottery on how funding is allocated should be a priority for all parties. NAHT have always called for a need-led system to ensure funding and provision is provided in the right place, and the right time for children and young people with SEND.

"A decrease in the amount of funding schools are expected to find themselves towards meeting pupils additional needs would also be welcome - we have long argued that the current level penalises the most inclusive schools."