Number of children getting special educational needs support hits another record high

Number of children getting special educational needs support hits another record highImage source, Getty ImagesByHayley ClarkeEducation reporterPublished19 minutes agoThe number of children getting support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has risen sharply again to a new record high, government figures show.Between January 2025 and January 2026, there was a 12.5% increase in the number of children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) - the legal documents setting out the support they are entitled to.It is the highest year-on-year increase since EHCPs were introduced over a decade ago, with numbers now over 700,000.A spokesperson for the Department for Education (DfE) said the figures "show the scale of the challenge we inherited", adding that they were investing £4bn to bring specialist support into mainstream schools."We're building a system where every school can support every child to thrive, while ensuring those with the greatest needs get the specialist help they need," they said.Families of children who need more support than mainstream schools usually provide can apply for an EHCP, which are designed to guarantee extra help for those who need it.Over 110,000 new plans were issued during the 2025 calendar year. The figures include children and young people up to the age of 25.The number of plans issued within the statutory timeframe of 20 weeks has decreased slightly, with less than half of plans issued on time.The number of children and young people with EHCPs in mainstream schools has also increased by over 15% compared to last year - with nearly half of those with EHCPs now attending mainstream schools.It comes after the government announced its plans to reform the SEND system earlier this year, with a focus on making mainstream schools more inclusive for children with SEND.'I want him to be the best he can be'Image source, Karen QuinnImage caption, Karen hopes that her son Adam will be able t...