A recent report from the UK Parliament’s Education Select Committee has highlighted serious concerns about how children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are currently supported in mainstream schools, and has called for urgent, system-wide reform.
The report, Solving the SEND Crisis, makes it clear that the existing approach is placing increasing pressure on schools, families, and educators, and that meaningful change is now essential.
A System Under Strain
The Committee’s findings suggest that SEND provision is too often treated as an additional responsibility rather than a core part of mainstream education. As a result, many pupils are not receiving timely or appropriate support, and schools are struggling to meet rising levels of need with limited resources.
Rather than relying heavily on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the report argues for earlier, more effective support within mainstream settings.
Key Recommendations from the Report
The Committee has outlined several priorities for reform, including:
- A whole-school approach to SEND
SEND support should be embedded across the entire school community, not confined to specialist teams. - Clear national standards for inclusion
A consistent definition of inclusive education is needed so that expectations are clear and equitable across all schools. - Improved training for school staff
Teachers and support staff should receive regular, high-quality SEND training to build confidence and capability in the classroom. - Sustainable funding reform
Funding must reflect the true cost of providing effective SEND support and be aligned across government departments. - Earlier identification and intervention
Identifying needs sooner and providing early support could reduce pressure on specialist services and improve outcomes for pupils.
Why This Matters for Schools and Educators
Since 2014, the number of pupils identified with SEND has risen significantly. Without a strong, inclusive framework in mainstream education, schools face growing challenges, from delayed support to stretched staff and inconsistent provision.
Education Committee Chair Helen Hayes has described the changes needed as a “root and branch transformation,” emphasising the importance of investing in training, resources, and long-term support.
Looking Ahead
The report offers a clear roadmap for improvement, but its success depends on timely action from policymakers and collaboration across the education sector.
For schools, teachers, and supply staff, staying informed about these developments is crucial. As inclusion continues to evolve, understanding the direction of SEND reform will help educators prepare, adapt, and advocate for the pupils who need support most.
At TeachMatch Recruitment, we remain committed to supporting inclusive education by working closely with schools and placing skilled, compassionate staff into SEND and mainstream settings.
