John Harris accurately nailed two of the three crucial yet rarely stated causes of the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) crisis (In this new austerity moment, a fight is on: for the rights of children with special educational needs, 25 August). Yes, the past 15 years’ reversion to Victorian education is the worst possible development for Send children, who it just doesn’t fit emotionally or cognitively. And yes, austerity underfunding has created untold, unforeseen economic costs.
In fact, once vulnerable young adolescents hit the streets, those costs go way beyond local government and education to impact policing and justice, homelessness, social care and healthcare, and national productivity. Parents drop out of the workforce to help their Send children cope, and to fight for their needs. The children themselves are left unprepared and unqualified for their own future employment. A double waste.
