The Department for Education released its statistics on pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) today. 

They reveal that:

1. The number of pupils with special educational needs has risen

This is the second consecutive year there has been a rise. In January 2017 there were 1,244,255 pupils with SEN, in January 2018, 1,276,215 pupils had SEN. This means the proportion of pupils with SEN has risen from 14.4 per cent in January 2017 to 14.6 per cent in January 2018.

2. The percentage of pupils with a statement or EHC plan has increased

In January 2017, 2.8 per cent of the total pupil population had a statement of SEN or an education, health and care (EHC) plan.

3. The most common types of need remain unchanged

The statistics show that 24 per cent of pupils on SEN support have a moderate learning difficulty as their primary need. For pupils with a statement or EHC plan 28.2 per cent have autistic spectrum disorder as their primary need. Pupils classified as SEN support need extra help but this is given within school with advice or support from outside specialists. The pupils does not have a statement or EHC plan setting out the help they should receive.

4. The rise of pupils with statements or EHC plans in special schools has continued

There has been a year on year increase since January 2010 of the percentage of pupils with statements or EHC plans in special schools. In January 2018, 44.2 per cent of pupils with statements or EHC plans were in special schools.

5. SEN Support is most prevalent among 10-year-olds

The statistics show that 14.6 per cent of 10-year-olds have SEN support. This reduces to 12.5 per cent of 11--year-olds and continues to decline as age increases.