Solving the SEND Crisis – Call for Evidence

The Education Select Committee is a cross-party group of MPs led by Chair, Helen Hayes MP. The Education Committee scrutinises the work of the Department for Education, covering children’s social care, schools, colleges, the early years and higher education.

Scope of the inquiry

"A number of recent reports have set out in detail the extent of the crisis in the SEND system, which is letting down children and their families, creating intense pressure on local authority funding and on schools. This inquiry will focus on how to achieve both short term stability and long-term sustainability for the SEND system to improve experiences and outcomes for children and young people." - Education Select Committee website.

The Committee will seek evidence on short term actions to stabilise the SEND system which is currently experiencing increased demand, protracted waiting times and increased pressure on schools and local authorities.

The Committee will also be looking at how, beyond stability, long term sustainability of the SEND system can be achieved to support and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Mindful of previous reviews that have taken place in this area, and the evidence that already exists about the nature and scale of the problem, the Committee welcomes evidence primarily focused on solutions.

The Committee are keen to ensure that the voices and experiences of children and young people with SEND are at the heart of the inquiry. They welcome evidence from parents and carers, early years settings, schools, local authorities, voluntary sector organisations, professionals, sector bodies and anyone else with an interest in the system of support for children and young people with SEND.
 
The Committee will be accepting evidence via the Education Select Committee website until Thursday 30th January 2025.