Shortage of suitable school places for children with special educational needs

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Shortage of suitable school places for children with special educational needs

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News in the last few days has focused on statistics that demonstrate there is a shortage of funding for children with special educational needs, which is leading to a growing number of children being left without suitable school places and more children with special educational needs being educated at home.  Figures from the Department for Education show that the number of pupils with special educational needs without a school place last year had more than doubled from 1,710 in 2016.  Official statistics from national education union showed 4,050 pupils with special educational needs without a school place in 2017.

These statistics reflect a growing trend that we, at Watkins Solicitors have seen over the years, with more and more children and young people out of school because the Local Authority is unable to find a suitable school placement or parents have withdrawn their children either permanently or on a temporary basis because placements have not been suitable.  

We see a growing trend in the increasing numbers of pupils without school placements and continue to advise parents who find themselves in this position.

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