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“We are pleased the review has acknowledged the curriculum needs to benefit all pupils, including those with SEND. Improving mainstream inclusion is vital in reforming the SEND system.

“Rising high needs deficits are pushing councils to the brink, and these findings reinforce the urgent need for reform of the SEND system, which is failing too many children and families.

An independent report on rising needs in children under five commissioned by the Local Government Association has found councils and early years providers are consistently seeing an increase in volume and complexity of need.

“These findings highlight that reform of the SEND system is needed urgently and is unavoidable."

“It is vitally important that inclusion is at the heart of reforming the SEND system, so it is good that government is investing in creating specialist places in mainstream schools, so children are able to attend their local school with their friends in their local area."

“Councils are working hard to use their finite resources in the best way possible to meet their legal duties to support children and young people with SEND."

"Inspections and greater transparency will support improvement in educational standards, the identification and resolution of patterns of concern, and enable greater learning between trusts.”

Eight in 10 councils warn they will become insolvent over mounting deficits related to the cost of supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, a new survey by the Local Government Association suggests.  

“These findings reinforce the need for comprehensive reform of the SEND system, and that the Schools White Paper must consider how we fund and provide home to school transport.

“It is positive the Government set out plans for much-needed reform of the SEND system, which is vital if we are to ensure children and young people with SEND get the support they need to flourish at school.