Ofsted has described the thousands of children in England missing out on support for diagnosed special educational needs as a 'national scandal'. According to the watchdog's annual report, 2,060 children who have education, health and care plans (EHCPs) in place are receiving no support at all.
Amanda Spielman, Ofsted's chief inspector, highlighted that too often children who have been assessed still do not receive the services they need. She noted that between 2010 and 2017, the number of children with a plan but no provision increased fivefold, peaking at over 4,000 in 2017 before falling to 2,060.
The report also raises serious concerns about children disappearing from education. It suggests that up to 10,000 pupils cannot be accounted for and may have been illegally removed from school rolls, particularly in Years 10 and 11. While some may have moved to independent schools or home schooling, Ofsted believes it is unlikely that all fit these categories.
Demand for EHCP assessments has risen by 50% since 2015, with 45,200 assessments carried out in 2017 and 14,600 refused. The system, introduced in 2014 to replace statements of special educational needs, is under pressure. Parents often face long battles to secure plans, and campaigners say the same issues persist.
The Department for Education responded that some children without provision may be in transition between schools. However, Spielman stressed that even one child not receiving help is disturbing, and thousands constitute a national scandal.
