Children’s development ‘put back by years’ due to failure of special educational needs system

A staff member helps children but Amerdeep Somal says many organisations lack vital employees Photograph: 10’000 Hours/Getty Images

England’s special education system is failing, causing thousands of children to have their development put back by months or even years, according to a damning report by the local government ombudsman.

Amerdeep Somal, the local government and social care ombudsman, said her caseload was now dominated by complaints from families involving special educational needs (Sen) provision and schools, with more than 90% of complaints being upheld.