The SEND Crisis:

How Parents Can Drive Change and Advocate for Their Children’s Rights

The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system in the UK is at a breaking point. Families nationwide are experiencing issues from limited funding and lengthy delays to inconsistent support and a lack of understanding for the unique needs of their children. Recent reports from ITV News, Channel 4, and Schools Week, as well as an in-depth review by the National Audit Office (NAO), have highlighted the depth of the crisis. For SEND parents, navigating this complex system to secure essential resources has become a constant battle. But amid this ongoing challenge, parents play a crucial role in driving change—by advocating for their children and pushing for reforms to create a more supportive and inclusive SEND system.

Understanding the SEND Crisis

The NAO report has underscored how the SEND system’s issues stem from years of underfunding and ineffective policies. Councils face a combined SEND deficit of £4 billion, putting nearly 40% of councils at risk of financial collapse. As a result, councils struggle to provide even basic resources like one-to-one aides, speech therapy, and occupational therapy​.

The report also revealed that two-thirds of special schools are already at or over capacity, forcing some to convert therapy rooms into classrooms. Meanwhile, mainstream schools often lack the resources and training necessary to support SEND students effectively. This overcrowding, compounded by rigid school policies, further limits options for children who require tailored approaches to learning​

Despite funding being critical, the NAO emphasises that a lack of flexibility and a rigid focus on standardised expectations also contribute to the SEND system’s failings. This combination of financial strain and inflexibility impacts entire families, who find themselves navigating complex processes like Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) and tribunal appeals just to secure necessary support. The emotional toll is immense, yet parents continue to advocate tirelessly for their children, often becoming instrumental voices for reform.

Steps Parents Can Take to Drive Change

• Know Your Rights and Advocate Effectively
  Many parents are unaware of the rights available under the Children and Families Act 2014, which mandates tailored support for children with SEND. Parents should understand their right to request assessments, reviews, and changes to EHCPs if their child’s current plan doesn’t meet their needs. Engaging with advocacy organisations like SENDIASS can be invaluable for understanding these rights and accessing guidance on navigating the EHCP process​
• Build a Support Network
  Local and online support groups connect parents with others facing similar challenges. These groups provide not only emotional support but also practical advice on navigating the system. Many parents are also joining forces to attend council meetings, coordinate petitions, and amplify their voices collectively, making it more challenging for policymakers to ignore their concerns​
• Engage with Schools and Educators
  Building collaborative relationships with teachers and administrators can help secure accommodations, such as sensory breaks, flexible seating, or modified behaviour policies. Although many educators want to help, they may lack resources or training. Open communication enables both parents and teachers to create a shared understanding of the child’s needs and develop supportive strategies in partnership​
• Document Everything
  Keeping detailed records of interactions with schools, councils, and SEND services is essential for tracking progress and holding institutions accountable. Documentation of meetings, emails, and official paperwork is crucial when challenging decisions or escalating issues, and it can streamline the EHCP review process.
• Get Involved in Policy Discussions
  Parents can contribute to policy discussions by attending public council meetings and responding to consultations from the Department for Education. The NAO report’s findings have already increased media attention on the SEND crisis, amplifying calls for comprehensive reform. By voicing concerns through these channels, parents strengthen the case for a more effective system​
• Use Media and Social Platforms to Raise Awareness
  Public awareness is growing, with platforms like BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour recently dedicating an episode to the SEND crisis. Sharing personal stories on social media or reaching out to local news outlets can spotlight the urgent need for change. Increased visibility applies pressure on policymakers to prioritise SEND issues​.
• Advocate for Systemic Reform
  While advocating for their own children’s needs, many parents also join larger campaigns that call for holistic reform. This involves not just increasing funding but reshaping the culture of education to embrace inclusivity and flexibility. The NAO report suggests that current “sticking plaster” approaches are unsustainable; parents can play a role by pushing for reforms that integrate health, education, and social care​

Creating a Future of Inclusion and Support

The SEND crisis has placed an enormous burden on families across the UK, but parents are uniquely positioned to advocate for meaningful change.

By understanding their rights, connecting with support networks, and actively participating in policy discussions, they can push for a system that serves not only their children but all SEND students. As ITV News highlights, this growing chorus of voices is now crucial for maintaining pressure on policymakers to build an inclusive, supportive, and well-funded SEND system. While the path to reform may be long, every action counts toward creating an educational landscape that values and supports every learner.

Together, SEND parents can help transform a broken system into one that truly meets the needs of all children.

Read more

Families Plead for Urgent Reform After NAO Report

NAO’s 8 Key Findings on SEND Failures
Schools Week summarises the NAO’s findings, highlighting key financial and capacity issues impacting SEND support across the UK.

Inside the ‘Broken’ SEND School System
Channel 4 News explores the financial strain and reform needs within the SEND system, as highlighted by the NAO report.

Somerset Council Calls for Legislative Changes to Address SEND Crisis
ITV News West Country covers Somerset Council's request for either increased funding or legislative changes to address critical issues in SEND support.