understanding the squeeze.

We see the pressure schools and local authorities are under. In March 2026, 74% of teachers and support staff identified workload as the primary barrier to creating truly inclusive settings. This pressure is creating a systemic outcome loop that we must break:

68% of primary teachers and 61% of secondary teachers feel a lack of preparedness to provide SEND support after their initial training.
A 11.1% surge in pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) between 2024 and 2025.
With the expiration of the statutory override, 53% of councils anticipate being unable to set a balanced budget for the 2026/27 year.

This combination of complexity and funding gaps creates a squeeze that leads to compromised provision and, ultimately, unmet needs for children.

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