Local Authority Whistleblower: SEND Case Workers Told to Delay Access to SEND Support

A recent ITV News investigation has raised troubling questions about whether some families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs (“SEND”) are facing unnecessary barriers when seeking the necessary support.

What the ITV News investigation alleges

The investigation centres on allegations from a whistleblower who worked within a Local Authority SEND team. According to the ITV News report, case workers were allegedly encouraged by managerial staff to delay decisions, minimise written records, and make the process of accessing support more difficult for families. Shockingly, it was even reported that superiors would “joke about the ways they can deny support to children and how they want to deny more children access”. While these claims remain allegations and have not been proven, they shine a spotlight on concerns that many parents have voiced for years: that navigating the SEND system can feel like an uphill battle.

The impact of delays on families

For families already coping with the emotional and practical challenges of raising a child with additional needs, delays can have a profound impact, and not just financially. Every missed therapy session, every postponed assessment, and every month spent waiting for an Education, Health and Care Plan (“EHCP”) can affect a child’s development, confidence, educational progress and mental wellbeing. Parents often spend countless hours completing paperwork, chasing updates, and pursuing an appeal to the SEND Tribunal, simply to secure support that professionals have already identified as necessary.

Financial pressure is not a reason to deny support

Whilst it is no secret that local authorities are operating under immense financial pressure, this should never result in children and young people being denied timely access to the support they need and are legally entitled to. Early intervention is widely recognised as one of the most effective ways to improve educational outcomes, reduce long-term costs, and enable children to become more independent.

Transparency and accountability in SEND departments

The ITV investigation serves as an important reminder of transparency and accountability particularly within Local Authority SEND departments, so as not to further erode families’ trust in the system as a whole.

How we can help

If you are of the view that the Local Authority is delaying matters, acting unlawfully or engaging in unethical conduct, our specialist SEN solicitors are here to help. Please contact our specialist education team on 0333 202 7175 or education@hcbgroup.com.

Tel: 0333 202 7175

Email: education@hcbgroup.com