Supporting Families with SEND in Surrey — The Reality, the Challenge, and the Action Being Taken
There is no question that for many families, navigating the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system has been difficult.
Behind every statistic are real families, real children, and real experiences. Some parents in Surrey have faced long waits, frustrating processes, and the stress of fighting for the support their children need. That reality must be acknowledged.
A System Under Real Pressure
The challenge facing SEND provision is not unique to Surrey but it is significant.
Demand for support has increased sharply in recent years. The number of children requiring Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has more than doubled over the past decade, and continues to rise.
This reflects wider national trends. The current system was designed for a very different level of demand, and councils across the country are working to respond to pressures that have grown faster than infrastructure and funding.
Even with ongoing expansion, the system is still catching up which is why some families continue to experience delays or gaps in provision.
What Is Being Done — Investment and Expansion
In response, Surrey County Council has committed significant investment to increase capacity and improve provision.
Over £200 million is being invested to expand specialist education, with the aim of delivering around 3,000 additional places by 2030. This includes:
- New specialist schools
- Expansion of existing provision
- Increased specialist support within mainstream schools
The focus is on ensuring more children can access the support they need closer to home, reducing reliance on out-of-county placements and long travel times.
This is long-term infrastructure investment to build the capacity the system needs for the future.
Improving Processes and Support for Families
Alongside investment in places, there has been a clear focus on improving how the system works for families.
There has been measurable progress:
- EHCP timeliness has improved significantly
- The quality of plans has increased
- Annual reviews are being completed more consistently
- Additional staff have been recruited to reduce caseloads and improve responsiveness
There is also a stronger emphasis on early resolution and support, helping to reduce the need for formal disputes and tribunal cases.
The Reality — Progress, but More to Do
It would not be credible to suggest that the system is now where it needs to be - it is not.
Demand continues to grow, and there are still families experiencing challenges.
However, it is equally important to recognise that this is not a static situation. There is:
- sustained investment
- measurable improvement
- a clear direction of travel
Moving Forward
The priority must remain clear by improving outcomes for children and supporting families effectively.
That means:
- continuing to expand local provision
- reducing delays in assessment and support
- improving communication and transparency
- ensuring support is delivered as early as possible
This is a complex, long-term challenge, and it requires sustained focus rather than simple or short-term solutions.
Final Note
Families are right to expect better — and work is underway to deliver that.
But it is important that this issue is discussed honestly and with full context. The scale of demand, the national pressures on the system, and the investment now being made all need to be understood together.
This is a system under real pressure — and one that is actively being improved.
For a personal perspective from someone supporting families locally, Shaun Garrett has shared his experience here: Link
