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Former Secretaries Demand Urgent Reforms to SEND System

2/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Two former Labour education secretaries urge reforms to England's special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system.
A Policy Exchange report shows SEND spending has risen £5 billion since 2018, with affluent councils up 65% and deprived areas 51%.
The report links the funding gap to disadvantages and calls for early support and reform to avoid crises.
The government plans to address these issues in an upcoming schools white paper.

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Story summary

Two former Labour education secretaries urge reforms to England's special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system.
A Policy Exchange report shows SEND spending has risen £5 billion since 2018, with affluent councils up 65% and deprived areas 51%.
The report links the funding gap to disadvantages and calls for early support and reform to avoid crises.
The government plans to address these issues in an upcoming schools white paper.