'SEND system is failing and in desperate need of reform'

Call for Government to address issue as county deficit hits £55m

- By Phil Corrigan Local Democracy Reporter

COUNCIL leaders say special education funding reform is 'desperately' needed with Staffordshire's deficit rising to £55 million.

Staffordshire County Council, along with authorities across England, is seeing an increasing overspend on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Councillor Janet Higgins, the new cabinet member for education and SEND, says Government funding has failed to keep up with demand, as thousands of families across the county seek extra support for their children There are currently more than 8,600 children in Staffordshire with education, health and care plans (EHCPs), following a 15 per cent increase over the last 14 months, with many requiring costly placements at specialist schools.

Cllr Higgins, who says SEND is a key priority for the council’s new Reform UK administration, has written to the county's MPs asking for their support in lobbying the government on the issue.