Rising Costs of SEND Education: A Strain on Local Councils

Local councils in England are facing significant financial pressures as expenditures on private schools for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have surged dramatically. Analysis of data from 27 local authorities reveals that spending on private SEND placements has increased from £270 million in 2020/21 to nearly £500 million by 2024/25, marking an 87% rise. In contrast, state school spending on SEND has risen from approximately £550 million to £840 million over the same period, a 50% increase. This trend indicates a growing reliance on private institutions to fulfill the needs outlined in children’s education, health, and care plans (EHCPs).

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Kent County Council has emerged as the highest spender on SEND education, allocating £91 million for private SEND schools in 2024/25, with projections reaching £108 million in 2025/26. Additionally, the council spent £164 million on state special school provision, with expectations of an increase to £177 million. Essex County Council follows closely, with a total SEND expenditure of £128 million. Other councils, such as Herefordshire and Calderdale, have also reported substantial increases in private SEND school costs, with Herefordshire experiencing a 350% rise from £1.9 million to £8.4 million.

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In response to the escalating costs, the UK government has announced plans to regulate the private SEND sector through the introduction of national price bands and strengthened standards. A government spokesperson emphasized the need to ensure that specialist placements provide genuine progress for children rather than merely increasing financial burdens on councils. Councillor Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association, supported these regulatory measures, highlighting concerns over excessive pricing by some private providers.

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Despite these reforms, critics argue that the government's approach may not adequately address the underlying capacity issues within state special schools. Hayley Harding, co-founder of the parent group Let Us Learn Too, stated that the reforms fail to create sufficient specialist placements, which are essential for effective support.

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While some councils, like Labour-run Bolton, have successfully reduced private SEND school costs by 48% through improved local support systems, the overall trend remains concerning. The Department for Education has committed £4 billion to transform the SEND system, aiming to create 60,000 specialist places nationwide. However, there are no plans to significantly increase the number of state special schools, which raises questions about the sustainability of current strategies.

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The disparity in spending and the effectiveness of reforms have led to conflicting reports. While some councils report success in reducing costs and increasing local support, others continue to struggle with rising expenditures and insufficient specialist placements. The lack of comprehensive data on the effectiveness of these reforms further complicates the situation.

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• “spiralling out of control with no end in sight” — Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrats Education Spokesperson

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• “The shortage of specialist school placements is a national issue and one which is reflected locally,” — Calderdale Council Spokesperson

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• “It’s imperative that more specialist places are created in order for any reform to be successful.” — Hayley Harding, Co-founder of Let Us Learn Too

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The ongoing financial strain on local councils underscores the urgent need for effective solutions to support children with SEND while managing costs.

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