The Impact of Inadequate SEND Support on Parents’ Employment

A recent survey highlighted in a Sky News report has shed light on a troubling reality for parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). According to the findings, a staggering three out of four parents have been forced to either leave their jobs or reduce their working hours due to a lack of support from schools and local authorities. This is an issue that disproportionately affects mothers, with many bearing the brunt of caregiving responsibilities.

Why Are So Many Parents Leaving the Workforce?

The survey, conducted in collaboration with the charity Support Send Kids, reveals that insufficient educational and childcare options are among the key reasons behind this employment crisis. Nurseries and schools often lack the training and resources to adequately meet the needs of SEND children.

While some children have access to special schools, these institutions are stretched beyond capacity. Many families face reduced school hours or years-long waits for placement, leaving parents with little choice but to stay home.

The Broader Impact on Families and the Economy

This crisis isn’t just a family issue; it has serious economic implications. Hannah Peaker, director of policy and advocacy for the New Economics Foundation, warns that the exclusion of parents from the workforce—especially mothers—could harm economic recovery. Early years education, including specialised support for SEND children, is an investment with high social and economic returns. Failure to support families in this way is a missed opportunity for both personal and economic growth.

The Department for Education in England has acknowledged the increasing strain on the system and has committed to measures like expanded early years childcare and online SEND training for educators. However, parents and advocates argue that these efforts are falling short. Local authorities are reportedly “gatekeeping” special educational needs services, further compounding the issue.

Moving Forward: A Call for Change

The survey paints a clear picture of a broken system, one that leaves both children and their families struggling. The adversarial nature of SEND provision means that parents often face a long and difficult battle for adequate support. For parents like Abigail, being forced out of the workforce isn’t just a financial burden—it’s a failure of the system to meet the needs of its most vulnerable citizens.

To truly support families with SEND children, significant reform is needed. This includes increasing funding for special schools, providing better training for educators, and ensuring that local authorities do not withhold services. Furthermore, employers must recognise the need for greater flexibility, offering remote work options or shorter shifts to accommodate parents navigating this challenging landscape.

The lack of support for SEND families has reached a tipping point. It’s time for policymakers, educators, and employers to work together to create an inclusive and supportive environment that allows all parents the chance to balance work and family life.