SEN Support in Crisis? Key Insights From the NAO Report in Light of Labour’s VAT Tax.
30th October, 2024
The recent National Audit Office (NAO) report on support for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) has highlighted systemic challenges in the UK’s SEN provision, including funding shortages, lengthy wait times, and inconsistent support across local authorities. At Enjoy Education, where student wellbeing and tailored support are at the core of our approach, we find the NAO report both timely and concerning—especially in light of the Labour Party’s recent proposal to impose VAT on private school fees. This policy, scheduled for January 2025, is already facing legal challenges and raises questions about how SEN students and families will be impacted.
1. Funding Challenges and Increasing Demand for SEN Support
The NAO report underscores the significant growth in demand for SEN services, with a 140% increase in Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans since 2015. Despite a 58% increase in high-needs funding since 2014, the scale of demand has left many local authorities facing persistent budget deficits. Forecasts suggest a cumulative shortfall of £4.6 billion by 2026, posing a substantial risk to the sustainability of SEN provision at the local level .
Service limitations stemming from these funding constraints often result in delays for families seeking EHC plans. In 2023, around 50% of EHC plans were not completed within the statutory 20-week timeframe, impacting families across various regions. From an educational perspective, these delays can create gaps in support that hinder a child’s academic and social development. The NAO’s findings suggest that without targeted reforms to address funding and resource limitations, the SEN system’s ability to meet increasing demand will continue to be affected.
2. Uneven Access to SEN Resources Across Regions and the Role of Independent Schools
The report also highlights notable disparities in access to SEN resources across different regions. Families in some areas report fewer support options and extended wait times, leading a portion of these families to seek placements in independent SEN schools where resources may be more readily available. However, the cost of independent placements averages £61,500 per student annually, which may now increase as Labour moves forward with a VAT policy that would apply to private school fees .
Labour’s VAT proposal, expected to take effect in early 2025, could have significant implications for SEN families who rely on independent schools, particularly those without an EHC plan. Only 8,000 of the 111,000 SEN students currently in private schools hold an EHC plan, meaning that most would not qualify for the VAT exemption, should it remain a requirement. With independent options becoming costlier, state schools may see an increase in enrolments from SEN families, further straining public resources. This development could exacerbate the capacity challenges outlined in the NAO report and impact SEN service availability in state schools.
3. Inclusivity in Mainstream Schools and Resource Allocation
A central goal of the 2014 Children and Families Act was to foster inclusivity by equipping mainstream schools to support SEN students. However, nearly a decade later, the NAO report finds that only 69% of primary and 73% of secondary school leaders feel prepared to meet SEN needs . Without additional funding or incentives to develop inclusivity measures, many mainstream schools may continue to struggle to create environments that fully support SEN students.
Labour’s VAT proposal raises further concerns about the role of mainstream schools, particularly if more SEN students return to state schools as a result of increased private school fees. For an effective transition, additional resources and training for educators would be essential. From our perspective, mainstream inclusivity efforts should be bolstered with clear funding and performance measures to ensure that SEN students benefit from a supportive, well-resourced educational environment.
4. Recommendations for Sustainable SEN Provision
The NAO report suggests a whole-system approach to SEN support, advocating for early intervention, cross-sector collaboration, and capacity-building across local authorities and schools. The key recommendations include:
•Long-term Strategy for Inclusivity: A sustainable approach to SEN inclusivity within mainstream schools is critical. The NAO recommends that the Department for Education (DfE) establish a dedicated strategy that includes funding, training, and measurable goals to improve inclusivity in mainstream settings.
•Targeted Capacity Planning: Expanding capacity within state special schools would reduce over-reliance on independent settings. The NAO recommends that the DfE improve data collection and capacity planning to allocate resources where they are needed most.
•Enhanced Intersector Collaboration: The NAO calls for a more cohesive framework that aligns priorities between education, health, and social services to streamline SEN support and reduce the fragmentation often faced by families navigating the system.
Moving Forward with Strategic SEN Support and Consultancy
At Enjoy Education, we’re dedicated to providing bespoke SEN support that aligns with each child’s unique needs, from tailored one-on-one tutoring to comprehensive education planning. As a leading consultancy, we assist families in navigating the SEN landscape with strategic guidance, ensuring you have the insight to make the best choices for your child. To learn more about our services or to discuss your family’s specific needs, please get in touch with our Director of Education, Dominic, at dominic@enjoyeducation.co.uk.