Is the UK School System Failing Children with Special Educational Needs?

Is the UK School System Failing Children with Special Educational Needs in 2025?

In recent months, parents across the UK have been raising concerns about the increasing difficulties in securing appropriate education for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). With ongoing budget cuts, staff shortages, and inconsistent EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) funding, families are left struggling to ensure their children receive the support they need.

But just how bad is the situation—and what can parents do?

Rising Concerns About SEND Support in Schools

From schools cutting teaching assistants due to budget constraints to local authorities rejecting EHCP applications, many parents are finding that the system meant to support their children is failing them instead. In some cases, parents have reported:

✅ Schools saying they can no longer afford the 1:1 support outlined in a child’s EHCP.
✅ Children being put on part-time timetables or “managed moves” rather than receiving additional help.
✅ Schools refusing to accept children with SEND due to lack of funding or resources.
✅ Families waiting years for assessments while their children fall further behind.

This crisis is leaving many parents with two devastating choices: keep their children in unsuitable placements or take on the responsibility of home education—often at great personal and financial cost.

What Can Parents Do?

If your child is struggling in school and you’re not getting the support they need, you do have legal options.

📌 Know Your Rights: Schools cannot simply withdraw EHCP funding without a legal review. If your child is entitled to support, the school and local authority must ensure they receive it.

📌 Challenging an EHCP Decision: If your child’s EHCP is not being followed, you can challenge this through a judicial review or an appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

📌 Home Education Considerations: If you are thinking of home educating due to school failures, make sure you understand your rights and financial implications—you are not entitled to funding unless your local authority agrees.

📌 Seeking Support: AskEllie provides free, legally backed advice for parents dealing with EHCP disputes, school issues, and SEND appeals. Get instant guidance at www.AskEllie.co.uk.

The Future of SEND Support in the UK

With ongoing debates in Parliament over SEND funding and support, many parents are worried about what’s next. Will the government step up and provide more resources for children with additional needs, or will families continue to be left in limbo?

Let us know your experiences in the comments. Are you facing issues with school support for your child? How is your local authority handling EHCPs?

👥 Share this post to spread awareness—too many families are struggling in silence.