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Record number of SEND children with Education, Health and Care Plans

The number of children with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan has reached a record high of 473,255, reveals new Government data.
The number of children with an Education, Health and Care plan has grown from 430,697 last year to 473,255 this year PHOTO Adobe Stock
The number of children with an Education, Health and Care plan has grown from 430,697 last year to 473,255 this year PHOTO Adobe Stock

The latest figures show the number of children with an EHC plan has risen from 430,697 last year to 473,255 in January this year – an increase of nearly 10 per cent. This is the highest number of new EHC plans in a year, following rises annually since the introduction of the plans in 2014.

A breakdown of the data shows almost half of the new plans continue to be for those aged five to ten.

It comes as a new report highlights the importance of intervening early on to support children with learning disabilities. 

According to the Government data, as of this year, a total of 18,054 children under the age of five and 154,940 five- to 10-year-olds had an EHC plan and statement of SEN.

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