Special educational needs system in England in ‘utter disarray’, says ombudsman

Exclusive: Young people and their families lack support, while social workers are overwhelmed, according to Amerdeep Somal

The system set up to support children in England who have special educational needs and disabilities (Send) is in utter disarray" and requires a complete overhaul, the local government ombudsman (LGO) has said.

In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, Amerdeep Somal, whose role is to investigate complaints about council services including Send, said: The system is simply not working for children, families or local authorities.