Responding to a new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) on the 'broken' special educational needs system, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“It is clear that despite the best efforts of schools and local authorities, too many children with additional needs are not receiving the support they deserve.

“While the extra funding announced by the new government is positive, with demand continuing to rise, much more investment is vital as well as systemic reform to ensure children with additional needs get the right provision, at the right time, and in the right educational setting.

“It is important that the government not only understands what is driving the current crisis, but also sets out a clear vision for a fully reformed system.

“Big changes are needed to end the current postcode lottery and ensure pupils with similar needs can access equitable and sufficient funding, irrespective of where they live or whether they attend a mainstream or special school.

“Reforms will only go so far without investment, however, and the truth is that too many schools lack the funding, space, facilities and access to specialists needed. Shockingly, per pupil funding for special schools has been frozen at £10,000 since 2013, despite spiralling inflation.

“Current underfunding of the system has left both schools and councils struggling with severe deficits. In the short-term we need to address those deficits, and then find a more sustainable approach to SEND funding.

“Ensuring mainstream schools have sufficient funding to be able to meet the needs of the large majority of pupils is essential, but we must not forget the crucial role played by specialist provision too. Both parts of the sector must be adequately funded and properly resourced if we are to have a system that caters for all children and young people.”