New DfE figures reveal big jump in children requiring support, putting pressure on schools and councils

The number of children and young people in England requiring support for special educational needs and disabilities has increased sharply, putting further pressure on schools and councils to meet their needs, according to new data.

Local authorities issued 84,400 education, health and care plans (EHCPs) last year, according to figures released by the Department for Education, a 26% increase compared with 2022. That takes England’s total to a record 576,000 children and young people with active plans in January this year.