On 18th September 2025, the Education Committee published its Solving the SEND Crisis report. At The SEN Expert, we were struck by both the honesty of this document and its urgency. It doesn’t shy away from the truth: the system is broken, families have lost trust, and professionals are working within structures that simply cannot cope. But it also sets out practical, long-term solutions. The question is—will government finally listen?
Since the Children and Families Act 2014, the number of children with SEND has risen from 1.3 million to 1.7 million. Almost half a million now have an EHCP. Every day, The SEN Expert hears from schools and parents about what those numbers represent: exhausted families fighting through endless processes, and teachers stretched far beyond capacity.
The report makes it clear—this is not about a few local failings. The crisis is systemic. Funding, consistency, trust, and workforce capacity are all failing simultaneously. Unless that changes, the outcomes for children with SEND will continue to be compromised.
The Committee is absolutely right to call out the lack of clarity around what inclusive education actually means. For too long, SEND has been treated as an add-on, something “additional” to mainstream, rather than part of its core design.
The SEN Expert welcomes the recommendation for a national definition of inclusive education, alongside statutory standards for what every school should be providing through ordinarily available provision. Families deserve to know, wherever they live, what they can expect. But let’s be honest—standards and guidance alone won’t change culture.
Inclusion has to live in every classroom, in the expectations of every teacher, every leader. It cannot sit solely on the shoulders of the SENCO. Until we achieve that shift, children will continue to fall through the gaps.
One of the hardest parts of reading this report was seeing, once again, how parents describe being treated: adversarial interactions, being locked out of decisions, and having to appeal at tribunal just to secure what their child is legally entitled to. And let’s not forget—parents win 99% of those cases. That tells us everything we need to know.
If we are serious about change, families must be treated as genuine partners. Transparent communication, respect, and shared decision-making aren’t optional extras—they are the foundation of a trustworthy system.
The report highlights the shortages of educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and other specialists. The SEN Expert sees the impact of this every day in schools: waiting lists that stretch for months, sometimes years, while children’s needs escalate.
What is worse, the experts we do have are tied up writing reports rather than working directly with children or upskilling teachers. We need a national workforce plan—one that builds capacity, prioritises early intervention, and ensures SEND training is embedded across every stage of a teacher’s career.
This report doesn’t duck the funding issue, and nor should we. Local authorities are in deficit, school budgets are stretched, and too often support depends on whether funding can be “unlocked” via an EHCP. That is simply not sustainable.
Government must deliver a long-term, realistic financial strategy. Anything less will mean schools forced into impossible choices and families pushed into unnecessary battles.
The Government has two months to respond. A White Paper is promised this autumn. But those of us who have been in SEND leadership long enough know how many reports and reviews have come and gone without meaningful action.
This one feels different. It’s solution-focused, it names the problems clearly, and it sets out the steps needed. But unless ministers have the courage to fund it, legislate for it, and drive accountability across education, health, and local authorities, it will end up on the shelf like so many before it.
At The SEN Expert, we know how transformative inclusion can be when schools are properly resourced and supported. We’ve seen what happens when parents and professionals work in true partnership. The challenge now is for government to match that commitment.
For the sake of every child, every family, and every professional who has been let down by this system—the time for rhetoric is over. We need action.
The SEN Expert offers a range of services for young people, families and schools. We offer support for parents to help navigate the complex world of Special Educational Needs. We will work with you closely to ensure the best for your child.
The SEN Expert was set up by Claire in 2021 following a successful career spanning 12 years in school improvement, special educational needs, safeguarding and the arts.
Claire has worked as a Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, Consultant and SENCO in both state and private schools in inner city London, the Southwest, the Midlands and the USA.
Throughout her career, Claire has ensured solid outcomes for the young people she has worked with. Be that a set of good exam grades, a placement in specialist setting or getting a part time job.
Claire is a working mother, and understands the challenges parents face trying to ensure their children are happy and successful. We aim to provide young people with a creative route to the personal and professional adult life they deserve.
We offer support for families, children, and schools to navigate the complex world of SEN.
Check out our full list of services at our website www.thesenexpert.co.uk or follow us on Instagram @senexpert for daily advice on special educational needs.