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The special educational needs and disabilities system in England is in crisis – and we’re told it’s all about money, as usual.

Here’s the BBC, but I think it’s wrong on this:

“The special educational needs and disabilities system for children in England faces “total collapse” and the government must not “keep ducking” reforms, council leaders have warned.

“The County Councils Network, which represents some of England’s largest local authorities, said councils had deficits which will reach £4.4bn a year by the end of this parliament in 2029, as they struggled to cope with increased demand.

““Over-reliance on higher costs placements and special provision” [is] also a factor, including “expensive private school places”.

“The government has put off planned reforms to the SEND system until next year, and a white paper setting out those reforms was delayed recently.

“But ministers face pressure from Labour MPs who warn there would be political danger in watering down support for children.”

So it’s all about money – allegedly. But is it?

The issues are systemic, structural, and demand-driven. Let’s break it down.

Councils are warning of deficits approaching £4.4 billion a year, with projections of £8 billion for placements by the end of the decade. That is massive pressure on budgets.

But simply increasing budgets won’t fix deeper systemic issues like inefficiency, bureaucracy, or the balance between mainstream and specialist provision.

To read the rest – and this one really has a lot to offer, head over to The Whip Line.

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