THE special educational needs (SEN) system is failing to deliver better outcomes for young people and is putting local authorities at “significant financial risk,” the National Audit Office (NAO) warned today.

The watchdog said the system is “financially unsustainable” and urgently requires reform.

Insufficient capacity in schools and long waiting times have eroded parental confidence, with only half of education, health and care (EHC) plans issued within the 20-week statutory limit in 2023.