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Record number of London pupils need SEND support
Council funds strained as parents struggle for help
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Wednesday 14th January 2026 |
The number of children requiring Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support in London has reached record levels, increasing by nearly a third over the last decade.
Department for Education figures reveal that 267,368 pupils now require assistance, with the number of autistic students in the capital surging by 158% since 2015.
The surge has placed immense pressure on local authorities.
London Councils warns of a projected £1.4bn deficit by 2028, with half of the boroughs facing potential bankruptcy due to funding demands.
Parents report "horrific" experiences navigating the system, often relying on peer support groups rather than official channels to secure Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) or appropriate school placements.
While the government has pledged £3bn for specialist places, experts and families remain cautious.
They argue that reforms must uphold existing legal rights rather than "watering down" support to ease financial burdens on struggling councils.
Source: BBC News (UK)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y4e3dlx1ko
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