Responding to a new Ofsted and Care Quality Commission report highlighting how longstanding weaknesses across the SEND system are impacting young people’s transition to adulthood, Rob Williams, senior policy advisor at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“School leaders, including those in residential special schools, have for years been calling out weaknesses in the system when it comes to helping young people with special educational needs transition to adulthood.

“This report highlights how an unacceptable postcode lottery and a lack of capacity in health and social care services to offer early help mean parents increasingly see securing an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) as crucial to at least give their child a chance of receiving the right support.

“Schools already provide invaluable information about children’s needs, but this could be better used if transition planning began earlier and services engaged more consistently in effective collaboration.

“The previous government failed to commit enough funding or focus on preparing children with additional needs for adulthood or on the SEND system more broadly. It’s vital the new administration invests in building the capacity of specialist services and schools and colleges to offer children timely support which is maintained throughout their education and post-18 to help boost their life chances.”