Special educational needs system ‘not delivering’ for families – watchdog

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The special educational needs system is not delivering better outcomes for young people or preventing local authorities from facing “significant financial risks”, Whitehall’s spending watchdog has warned. Families and children lack confidence in the special educational needs system in England which is “financially unsustainable” and in urgent need of reform, according to the National Audit Office. The report from the spending watchdog said the SEN system is “still not delivering better outcomes for children and young people or preventing local authorities from facing significant financial risks”. “The Government must set out root and branch change to the system within the next 18 months, designing a new way forward with strong input from local authorities, parents and young people.” Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “The warning lights are flashing red – without proper investment, things will get even worse, and the system may face complete collapse.