Credit: Simon Harvey
The recent Support for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs report by the Public Accounts Committee lays bare the severe challenges faced by England’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) system—a system described as “reaching, or arguably already at, crisis point.” Despite a 58% increase in high-needs funding over the last decade, outcomes for children remain stagnant. Families are caught in an adversarial maze, with their ability to secure support often hinging on their postcode or their persistence in navigating the system.
As an education leader, I find these revelations deeply troubling. The report underscores systemic failings that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable. In 2023, only half of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans were issued within the statutory 20-week period. Even more startling is that 98% of tribunal cases favoured parents, signalling a fundamental disconnect between local authority decisions and the needs of children.
The £10.7 billion allocated for 2024–25 is significant, yet local authorities face deficits that could total £4.6 billion by 2026. This funding gap underscores the unsustainable nature of the current system, where reactive interventions dominate over proactive, preventative measures.
The answer isn’t just more money; it’s smarter spending. By shifting focus to earlier identification of needs and group support models, as the report recommends, we can reduce reliance on costly independent placements and home-to-school transport, which have seen dramatic cost increases. Industrialised production methods offer a particularly impactful way to address these challenges by enabling rapid and efficient delivery of high-quality educational facilities.
Oak Tree SEN School
At Reds10, we believe that industrialised production holds the key to addressing the urgent need for more inclusive and specialised educational environments. Our advanced approach allows us to deliver high-quality facilities at unprecedented speed, ensuring that children with SEN can access the tailored support they need without unnecessary delays.
By utilising industrialised production processes, whole schools are constructed off-site with precision and efficiency before being assembled on location. This method reduces environmental impact, accelerates project timelines, and minimises disruption to existing school sites. Industrialised production is uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for SEN schools while maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
The Compass School
The 2014 Children and Families Act sought to make mainstream schools more inclusive, but progress has been elusive. Schools often lack the resources, training, or incentives to embrace inclusivity. Only 56% of teachers feel confident supporting children with additional needs, highlighting a significant skills gap.
To foster inclusivity, we need targeted teacher training, robust accountability measures, and curriculum adaptations. Schools must be equipped not only to accommodate SEN students but to celebrate their contributions. Reds10's efforts in designing flexible learning spaces underline how infrastructure can play a pivotal role in supporting inclusivity within both mainstream and specialist settings.
"At Reds10, we believe that every child deserves access to an education that meets their needs and unlocks their potential. By leveraging industrialised production, we can transform the landscape of SEN education and meet urgent demands with efficiency and innovation".
Joe Shepherd, Education Director
Nore Academy
To address these issues, we need a clear, costed plan with measurable targets. Data must drive decisions, highlighting disparities and enabling the sharing of best practices. Local authorities must be supported - and held accountable - for delivering sustainable, effective services.
By building more SEN schools using industrialised production, we are ensuring that schools are delivered faster, smarter, and more sustainability. This approach not only reduces costs but also creates adaptable environments for diverse learning needs.
The stakes are high. Without urgent action, we risk a lost generation of children whose potential remains untapped. For the millions of families relying on this system, failure is not an option.
This is a pivotal moment for SEN reform in England. It's time for bold leadership, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to equity in education.
To read the full report visit here.
Discover how Reds10 is building innovative solutions for SEN Schools –