SEND & Beyond Weekly Briefing – 1 August 2025

sharron508
Aug 1
2 min read

From Us to You

If you’ve ever felt like SEND news is designed to confuse you — you’re not wrong. Most families don’t have time to dig through council reports, TES analysis, or budget statements. So we’ve done it for you.

Every week, SEND & Beyond brings you the facts, the truth, and what it all actually means when you’re living it. We’re not here to sugar‑coat it — we’re here to call it out, break it down, and help you navigate it.

LGA Warns: SEND System “Not Working for Anyone”

A new Local Government Association–commissioned report has described the current SEND system as broken, saying it “works for no one in it. ”The report urges urgent reform, calling for investment in inclusive mainstream support, workforce training, and better joined‑up services.→ Read the full report at Local.gov.uk

EHCP Numbers Soar as Councils Face Record Deficits

The number of children with EHCPs has jumped to nearly 576,000 — more than double since the 2014 reforms. Council high‑needs budgets are running huge deficits, projected to hit £3–5 billion by 2028/29. Without the current statutory accounting relief (due to end March 2026), some councils warn they could face insolvency.→ Read more at Local.gov.uk

Rights at Risk? IPSEA & TES Issue Warnings

As reform discussions heat up, SEND law charity IPSEA and TES have cautioned against any weakening of EHCP legal protections. Replacing enforceable rights with vague promises of “best endeavours” would be a dangerous step backwards.→ Read the TES SEND hub

Our Thought of the Week

“Funding pressures may be real — but they are not an excuse to roll back children’s rights. Reform must strengthen protections, not dilute them.”

Affiliate Spotlight – Shop Senseational You

We’re excited to feature the Sensory Friendly Hoodie from Shop Senseational You — perfect for children who need comfort and sensory regulation on the go.

Key features include: