English Councils Struggle With Rising Cost of Special Needs Kids

The article discusses the financial strain faced by English councils due to the rising cost of providing special education services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). According to the article, the ballooning spending on SEND children is putting an additional burden on the already stretched budgets of local councils in England. This has added a sense of urgency to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's plans to reform the SEND system. The article highlights the growing demand for SEND services and the challenges councils are facing in meeting this demand within their limited resources. It suggests that the issue has become a significant concern for the government, prompting a review of the SEND system and the search for sustainable solutions. The article does not provide further details on the specific reform plans or the scale of the financial strain faced by the councils. However, it underscores the need for policymakers to address the rising costs and ensure that children with special needs receive the necessary support.