Responding to a new Local Government Association which found that more than half of councils would be unable to balance the books when an 'override' of 'high needs' SEND deficits ends next year, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“These sobering findings spell out the urgent need not only for the government to write-off high-needs deficits and give councils a clean slate, but also to offer the reform and investment needed to mend the broken SEND system.

“That means ending the unfair postcode lottery when it comes to support for pupils with the most severe needs, putting this on a more sustainable footing. The government must also end the mismatch between children’s needs and the funding and resources available, and ensure there are enough school places and specialist staff.

“If ministers are to succeed in their ambition for more pupils with SEND to be supported in mainstream settings, schools will need access to significantly more funding and resource, as well as greater support from health and social care.

“Without action, we risk a whole generation of young people missing out on the first-class support and education they deserve.”