Commenting on a new analysis from the NFER on the current state of the special schools workforce, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“Special schools have faced increased class sizes and greater breadth of need in each class over recent years. This is a direct result of mainstream schools becoming less not more inclusive. It is no surprise that they are struggling to recruit when working conditions are deteriorating. Many teachers and support staff who worked at risk throughout the pandemic are simply burnt out.
“SEND students need strong staff teams working with them, which include qualified teachers and support staff. The NFER rightly highlights the importance of greater scrutiny being given to special school staffing, and the reasons why fewer teachers in the sector have QTS. The Government would be wise to fund the 2.8% pay offer it recently announced, as well as tackle the causes of workload.”