Consultation after number of kids with special needs goes up

THE number of children and young people classed as having special educational needs and disability in Staffordshire has risen by a third in the past five years, it has been revealed.

Better identification of special educational needs could be one of the reasons for the increase, county councillors have been told. But there are concerns that overall children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) do not achieve as well as other children in Staffordshire.

The number of pupils with Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPS) has also risen year on year. An EHCP is a legal document detailing a young person’s educational, health and social needs, as well as the additional support they require.

A Staffordshire SEND strategy has been produced to improve support and prospects for children and young people in the county. A consultation on the strategy is underway and it was also discussed at a joint meeting of the Safe and Strong Communities and Prosperous Staffordshire Select Committees.

A report said: “The total SEND population has increased by 33 per cent over the last five years. The number of pupils with EHCPS has also continued to rise year on year. In the 2018

SEN2 Census, Staffordshire had a total of 4,456 children with EHCPS. This has now increased to over 4,700.

“In Staffordshire, we currently see more children with special educational needs attend special schools than elsewhere in the country, and fewer attend mainstream schools. Not all children who have a special educational need or disability need to attend a special school.

“Although young pupils, who are in early education and who are in receipt of

SEN support perform well, outcomes at Key Stages 1, 2 and 4 for Staffordshire students remain below the national averages.”

Councillor Mark Sutton, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “On the whole this is the general picture across authorities, particularly across the Midlands region.

“The increase in EHCPS is because parents see it as the only option for them to get that official documentation.

“Since the change from statements (of SEN) to EHCPS criteria has changed a bit. Previously a young person with behavioural issues was not included. They do now.

“Outcomes are not where they should be. More can be done, particularly for young people with low to moderate learning needs.”