Thousands of children are missing out on key support for diagnosed special educational needs in England and it is a “national scandal”, according to the chief inspector of England’s schools

Her annual report reveals 2,060 children in 2018 with official education, health and care plans (EHCs) setting out their needs still received no support at all. Far too often, children who have been assessed still do not receive the services they need.

Councillor Mike Bell commented: “Parents rightly expect and aspire to see that their child has the best possible education and receives the best possible support. Council funding for special educational needs has been squeezed, whilst schools are being pushed to the brink by the underfunding of SEND, at a time when there is already severe pressure on general schools funding.