SEND - first magazine for councillors

: photo of teacher working with young SEND boy at a table, pointing to some work on the table in front of them

Shaping the future of children’s services

by Councillor Amanda Hopgood

SEND reform is key.

young boy reading to teacher from a tablet, with another child watching from the other side of the table, with a colourful wall display behind them

Needs of under-fives on the increase

by Councillor Amanda Serjeant

LGA calls for inclusive early years education.

disabled student in adapted van exiting side door with helper waiting beside wheelchair

Emergency bailouts becoming ‘normalised’

by The Editorial Team

Council emergency bailout deals are at risk of becoming ‘normalised’ as budget overspends continue to rise, the LGA has warned.

photo from behind of older girl in wheelchair alongside a bus

SEND transport costs soar

by The Editorial Team

New analysis published by the LGA has found spending by councils on home-to-school transport for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is predicted to reach nearly £2 billion this year (2025/26).

photo of Cllr Vikki Slade MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Housing, Communities and Local Government, speaking on stage at the LGA’s annual conference in Liverpool, copyright LGA/Joe Outterside

‘Existential crisis’ in social care

by The Editorial Team

The Government needs to do more to address local government’s three ‘Horsemen of the Apocalypse’ – adult social care, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and housing.

SEND system needs cross-party reform

by Councillor Joe Harris

Change is sorely needed for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

male teacher handing out worksheets in special needs classroom

New report urges reform of SEND system

by The Editorial Team

The LGA says more children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) should get the care and support they need in schools and other mainstream settings without the need for a statutory plan.

photo of young male teacher working with primary school-aged boy with special educational needs at classroom table

Half of councils warn of insolvency over SEND

by The Editorial Team

More than half of councils in England that support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will become insolvent when a temporary accounting measure that keeps SEND-related deficits off their main balance sheets ends next year.

SEND in state of emergency – MPs

by The Editorial Team

MPs have warned that a ‘lost generation’ of children could leave school without having received the help they need, with the LGA calling for a plan for reform.

£740m for SEND building adaptations

by The Editorial Team

The Government has announced a £740 million funding package to increase the number of places for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England.