Thousands of SEND pupils missing school despite enrolment
A YouGov analysis shared with Sky News finds nearly 56,000 children with special educational needs are enrolled but not attending school, raising concerns about support.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
New analysis shared with Sky News suggests that nearly 56,000 children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England are on school rolls but not actually attending classes. The figure comes from YouGov polling and has prompted fresh concerns about the support available to families.
The report features the case of Carrie and her son Sebastian, who has special educational needs. Carrie said the school allocated by the local authority would not be able to meet his needs. She described sending him to school as like 'sending him into the lion's den'. Sebastian himself said the support was not there, and that the lessons were not adapted to help him.
Durham County Council, which is responsible for Sebastian's case, said it wanted the best education for all children and young people in the county. It noted that the case had been subject to an independent tribunal in June, which upheld the council's decision. The council added that it would not publicly discuss any child's personal circumstances.
The polling also suggests that parents and carers lack confidence in the SEND system more broadly. There is also a question about why the number of SEND diagnoses has risen. One explanation offered is that the definition of special educational needs, particularly for conditions like autism, has expanded, meaning more children now fit the criteria.
For families like Carrie's, the issue is not policy but whether their child can walk through the school gates. Being enrolled is not the same as being able to attend.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | Sky News |
|---|---|
| Durham County Council said it wants the best education for all children and young people in County Durham. | |
| Nearly 56,000 children with special educational needs and disabilities are on school rolls but not attending. | |
| Sebastian is being offered a mainstream school place with hundreds of other children. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
Sky News focused on the exclusive YouGov data, the personal story of Carrie and Sebastian, and the council's response. The tone was concerned and highlighted the gap between enrolment and attendance, while also raising broader questions about the SEND system and the rise in diagnoses.
- “I felt like I was sending him into the lion's den and I was just leaving him. And as a parent, to do that to your child, it's the worst feeling.”
- “New YouGov polling analysis exclusively shared with Sky News says nearly 56,000 children with special educational needs and disabilities are on a school roll but not actually attending.”
- “We are aware of and understand Ms Howarth's concerns but we would not publicly discuss any child's personal circumstances.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.