SEND Training Course Online: Understand the 2025 SEND Crisis and Take Action
- jayneparker15
- Jul 24
- 3 min read
Across England, the number of children and young people identified with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has reached record highs. In 2024, government statistics revealed that over 1.6 million pupils—nearly 20% of the school population—now have SEND, including 13.6% on SEN Support and 4.8% with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
This dramatic increase has not only placed pressure on schools and local authorities but has also dominated headlines. From rising exclusions and long waits for assessments, to mainstream schools being overwhelmed, SEND is now at the heart of a national conversation about inclusion, funding, and workforce readiness.
The Numbers Behind the Headlines
More than 1 in 6 children in England now require some form of SEND support.
Waiting lists for diagnosis and EHCP assessments continue to grow, with thousands of families left in limbo.
Schools are reporting an acute shortage of trained support staff who understand how to meet the needs of children with autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health conditions.
According to Ofsted and the Department for Education, staff confidence and knowledge around SEND vary greatly, particularly in mainstream settings. Many teachers and support workers report feeling under-prepared or under-trained, despite facing increasing complexity in the classroom.
SEND in 2025: A Sector Under Strain - What the Media Is Saying
Recent coverage in national newspapers and education-focused outlets paints a worrying picture:
Councils Warn of Financial Meltdown
“Nearly 20 councils in England have publicly warned of potential insolvency due to multibillion-pound debts incurred from overspending on SEND support… deficits totalling £3.4 bn are projected to rise to £5.2 bn” The Guardian.
Politicians Warn of Lost Generation
“Nearly half of councils could be bankrupt by 2026 without intervention… creating a ‘lost generation’ of children” Facebook+2The Guardian+2The Week+2.
Reforms Spark Backlash
“The government is facing growing opposition… concerns centre on potential cuts to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)… warn that scaling back… would deny essential support” The Guardian+6The Guardian+6The Week+6.
Calls to Protect Legal Rights
“Don’t remove the legal rights of children with SEND… rather than restricting children’s access to support through EHCPs… that isn’t the answer” (Catriona Moore, TES, 23 July 2025The Guardian+2Tes+2The Guardian+2.
Behind these headlines are thousands of real families, educators, carers, and frontline staff navigating a system that is under strain and in urgent need of both reform and understanding.
Why Knowledge and Compassion Go Hand in Hand
Inclusion isn’t simply a policy, it’s a practice. Whether you're in a school, nursery, youth setting, or even a parent at home, understanding SEND is no longer optional. It’s a vital part of working with and supporting children and young people today.
Having even a foundational understanding of the different types of need, the legal duties under the Equality Act 2010, and how to adapt environments and interactions, can lead to:
Better outcomes for children
More confident, capable staff
Stronger partnerships with parents and carers
Reduced exclusions, distress, and missed opportunities
At a time when young people with SEND are often the ones most at risk of being misunderstood or marginalised, being informed is one of the most powerful tools we have.
Who Needs This Knowledge?
Understanding SEND is no longer just for specialists. Today, it’s relevant to:
Teaching Assistants, Early Years staff and learning mentors working on the frontline of education
Care workers and youth professionals supporting young people with complex needs
Parents, guardians and foster carers navigating support systems
Volunteers, sports coaches, and community leaders seeking to be more inclusive in practice
Jobseekers or career-changers looking for meaningful roles in education, care, or advocacy
With inclusion now a key theme in Ofsted inspections, workplace policies, and public dialogue, having credible SEND knowledge with a SEND training course online can also support professional growth and open up new opportunities.
How Can You Learn More with a SEND Training Course Online
If you’re looking for a structured, affordable and accessible way to understand SEND in greater depth, the TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disability (RQF) is a flexible online qualification that builds real knowledge, without the jargon.
Delivered by COCAL , this nationally recognised course covers:
The definition and types of SEND
Inclusive legislation and safeguarding
Person-centred approaches
The lived experience of those with SEND
Supporting individuals in education and beyond
You don’t need previous qualifications. You’ll study at your own pace, with expert tutor support throughout.
Learn, Support, Act
At a time when the needs are growing, but training and awareness often lag behind, taking time to learn about SEND is a practical step that anyone can take, whether to enhance your career, support a child you care for, or simply understand the world more clearly.
Enrol today on the Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disability (RQF) with COCAL and start building your knowledge, confidence, and impact.
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