Ann Graham, ADCS President said:

“The latest projections from the County Councils Network underline the scale of the financial challenge facing the SEND system, with deficits forecast to reach £10.4bn by March 2028. The government’s commitment to address historic deficits is welcome, but this alone will not secure long-term financial sustainability.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a genuinely more inclusive and sustainable system that delivers better outcomes for children and young people. Achieving lasting, meaningful change will require shared ownership and effective collaboration across central and local government, education, health, and care services, and with parents and carers, underpinned by sustainable funding, sufficient workforce capacity and the resources needed to translate reform into practice.

“Ultimately, reforms must deliver a financially sustainable SEND system that also enables children and young people to achieve their potential and thrive.”

ENDS

The Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) Ltd is the professional leadership association for Directors of Children's Services and their senior management teams in England.