Special needs crisis risking 'lost generation' of children, MPs say

The crisis in special educational needs (Sen) in England risks creating a "lost generation" of children while putting "almost half" of councils with an education remit in danger of bankruptcy within 15 months, parliament's spending watchdog says.

- Sally Weale

MPs on the public accounts committee (PAC) expressed frustration over the government's lack of progress on fixing the crisis, and complained their inquiry had found "no sense of urgency" among officials.

As well as failing to deliver better outcomes for children, the Department for Education was criticised by the PAC for "being unable to provide" any potential solution to the "existential threat" to the financial status of many local authorities.

A damning report, which is published today, found too many families struggling to access Sen support in a system which "inherently favours" parents and carers who are better able to navigate an often "chaotic and adversarial process".