The Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) crisis is one of the most pressing issues for schools today. Year on year the number of pupils requiring SEND support has been rising which puts a strain on an already struggling education system. SEND pupils require specialist care and individual attention which is not always available in some classrooms. What are the main blockers in resolving the SEND crisis and how can the education system work together to resolve them? This article aims to address what can be done to support UK schools.

Understanding the SEND Crisis

The SEND crisis is led by three main factors.

Rising Numbers of SEN Pupils

There has been a dramatic rise in pupils with Special Education Needs (SEN). According to the Special Education needs in England report for the 2023/2024 academic year the number of SEN pupils has increased by 101,000 pupils from 2023. The percentage of pupils with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) has increased from 4.3% in 2023 to 4.8% in 2024.

Overall, in England there are over 1 million pupils requiring SEN support either with or without an EHC plan. This continues the trend of an increase in SEN pupils that has started in 2016.

Lack of Skilled Support Staff

SEN pupils need specialised support by suitably qualified staff. Additionally, many require individual 1-2-1 support which is becoming increasingly difficult with class sizes slowly rising since 2021.

Budget Constraints

School budgets constraints are a big factor when it comes to SEND support. Schools are faced with a difficult choice when it comes to affording support staff and cost associated with skilling up current staff to be able to support pupils with SEN.

Importance of Teaching Assistants in Special Education

Teaching Assistants are often the unsung heroes in the realm of special education. Their presence in the classroom is vital for several reasons. They serve as an essential support system for both teachers and pupils, ensuring that the educational process is as smooth and effective as possible. Without their contributions, many pupils with SEN would struggle to keep up with their peers

Having more teaching assistants can help support pupils with 1-2-1 needs and allow them to receive the support they require. For many pupils, especially those who are neurodivergent having a trusted teacher who they can bond with will support their learning and help them achieve.

Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships

Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships can be a great way for schools to recruit or upskill staff to be able to support SEND with minimal impact on budget. Apprenticeships are funded through the Apprenticeship Levy allowing schools to train up their staff at a lower cost or very often free.

Most Teaching Assistant qualifications cover SEND within the curriculum, however, LMP Education offers a specialised SEND pathway for learners who wish to focus on SEND.

Level 3 Teaching Assistant SEND Pathway

The course is ideal for Teaching Assistants working in mainstream or specialist schools who want to achieve a recognised qualification whilst gaining additional support for the SEND responsibilities. Any Teaching Assistant in a school may undertake this programme, with the DfE recommending all schools having some form of SEND responsibilities or specialism. 

Learn more about the Teaching Assistant SEND pathway programme.

Level 4 Higher-Level Teaching Assistant SEND pathway

This commercial programme is aimed at those who already work as a Teaching Assistant (TA) within a school and wish to further their career by progressing to become a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HTLA) with a focus on SEND Pupils. The content of the course is designed to extend learners’ knowledge, understanding and skills allowing them to support pupils/learners within the classroom setting.

Learn more about the HLTA SEND pathway course.

Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant

The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Programme is the natural progression route for teaching assistants who look to further their career in education. This programme offers learners the opportunity to specialise in a particular field of study such as SEND as well as social and emotional wellbeing, or specific curriculum provisions like early reading or EAL (English as an Additional Language).

Learn more about the Specialist Teaching Assistant programme.

The SEND crisis is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach, however, by investing in support staff through apprenticeships schools can ease some of the burden and help move towards resolving the issues.

If you would like to discuss Teaching Assistant apprenticeships or how to upskill a current member of staff to support with SEND, book a discovery call with the LMP Team.

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