In towns and cities across the North East, a crisis is playing out behind closed doors — one that is testing the resilience of families, the limits of local systems, and the principles of fairness that underpin public service.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision is in deep crisis. For too many children and young people, the system is simply not functioning. Assessments are delayed. Plans are insufficient. Support is patchy and under pressure. And behind every statistic is a young person at risk of missing out — not only on education, but on opportunity, independence, and inclusion.
