The Current State of SEND in the UK: Staff Shortages and Solutions

Overview of SEND in the UK

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are a crucial aspect of the UK’s educational system, affecting a significant portion of the student population. As the number of SEND children increases and are integrated into mainstream classes, teachers struggle to deliver the necessary level of care. The following data is gathered from the Government’s Explore-Education-Statistics (Special Education Needs in England, Education Healthcare and Plans). As of January 2024, approximately 1.6 million pupils in England were identified with SEND, an increase of 101,000 from the previous year. This population includes those with Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans, which have grown by 11.4% to 576,000.

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A cross-sector approach is required to facilitate the level of care and education required for SEND children. Read our article on working with organisations for Alternative Provision (AP) below.

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Increasing Numbers of SEND Students

The number of students with SEND has been rising steadily. EHC plans, essential for students requiring more support than SEN support typically offers, now cover 4.8% of the pupil population, up from 2.8% in 2016. The primary need among these pupils is Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affecting 33% of students with EHC plans. Meanwhile, speech, language, and communication needs are the most common among pupils receiving SEN support, followed by social, emotional, and mental health needs, and moderate learning difficulties.

Average Number of SEND Students per Class

In mainstream primary and secondary schools, the distribution of SEND students varies. On average, about 14.1% of primary pupils and 12.9% of secondary pupils receive SEN support. These students are typically integrated into regular classes, with varying levels of additional support depending on the school’s resources and the severity of the students’ needs.

Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors

SEND is more prevalent among boys, who constitute 72% of pupils with EHC plans and 62% of those receiving SEN support. Furthermore, a significant proportion of SEND pupils are eligible for free school meals (FSM). In 2024, 42.2% of pupils with an EHC plan and 38.3% of those with SEN support were eligible for FSM, compared to 24.6% of all pupils.

Shortage of Teaching Assistant Staff

One of the pressing challenges in the SEND landscape is the significant shortage of Teaching Assistants (TAs). TAs play a vital role in supporting SEND students, yet the demand for these positions far outstrips supply. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this shortage, reducing recruitment activity by 60% at its peak. Despite the high demand, many schools struggle to retain TAs due to issues surrounding pay, career progression, and working conditions (Teach Now).

A report by Teach Now highlighted that TAs are among the most sought-after positions in education, with over 40,000 job postings between June and September 2020. However, without adequate investment in training and development, TAs are often poorly deployed and dissatisfied with their roles, leading to high turnover rates. Additionally, research from the Early Education and Childcare Coalition found that up to 57% of nursery and pre-school staff, including TAs, are considering leaving the sector (EY Alliance).

Improving SEND in the UK

The state of SEND in the UK reflects both the growing recognition of diverse educational needs and the challenges in meeting these needs. The increasing number of SEND students and the shortage of TAs highlight the urgent need for strategic initiatives and enhanced funding. By addressing these challenges through improved training, better working conditions, and increased government support, the aim is to ensure that all children and young people with SEND receive the necessary attention and resources to thrive in their educational journey.

For further details on SEND statistics and initiatives, refer to the Explore Education Statistics and GOV.UK websites.

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As the number of SEND children increases and are integrated into mainstream classes, teachers struggle to deliver the necessary level of care. As of January 2024, approximately 1.6 million pupils in England were identified with SEND, an increase of 101,000 from the previous year.