‘They just want parents to go away’: complaints soar as special needs schooling crisis spirals

Chronic underfunding of the Send system in England blamed for failure to offer children adequate support

The number of complaints from parents about special needs education has risen by three-quarters in the past four years - with more than one complaint a day filed last year, according to figures from the local government ombudsman.

The increase reflects the crisis in the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) system, with rising demand, chronic underfunding, lengthy delays and enduring gaps in provision.