Third of UK parents have sought special needs assessment for their child, survey finds

Parentkind charity also says 33% of parents of children with special educational needs reported financial strain

One in three parents have sought a special needs assessment for their child, according to a survey that reveals a surge in demand for special needs support in schools across the UK.

The figures were released amid mounting apprehension in England over national plans to reform special needs provision amid rising costs and a severe shortage of dedicated special school places.