ABA Therapy - Why are there not enough schools to support SEN kids?

Recent news has revealed that ‘thousands of families feel trapped in the turmoil of the UK education system’, as both mainstream and special schools reach breaking point.

As a huge advocate for the SEN community and an ABA Therapy provider in London, we feel this news at our very core.

In England, two-thirds of special schools were at or over capacity last year. 

With rising diagnoses of SEND, both special and mainstream schools are in a precarious position.

So, what is the root of the problem?

Shortages and funding cuts are the reason behind the special needs education crisis. 

A NAHT union survey reveals that funding shortages are depriving SEN pupils of essential support.

Leaders of both mainstream and special schools informed the NAHT that financial pressures are forcing them to reduce the number of teaching assistants and their working hours, as well as cutting essential individual support for pupils with special education needs and disabilities (SEND). 

In a survey of 1,000 school leaders, 78% reported cutting back on support staff like teaching assistants in the last three years, and 84% anticipate further reductions in the next three years.

What can we do about it?

One of the main areas we focus on at All Behaviour Consultancy is integrating SEN children into mainstream education.

Whilst many SEN children require a Special Needs School, there are also many kids on the spectrum who can partake in mainstream education - provided they have the right support.

Due to the lack of space in special needs schools, we are advocating for more schools to hire Board-Certified ABA therapists as a priority.

Every person deserves the right to thrive. 

Our London-based ABA Specialists can work with the child in school, and help the school implement the necessary changes so that every child can be happy and progress, given the right support.