Growing SEND Crisis in Schools & Training Solutions
Updated: Jun 23
Schools across England are facing a rapidly escalating SEND crisis. The number of children needing support has risen sharply, and the system is struggling to keep up.
Recent national statistics show that 1.7 million children and young people are now identified with special educational needs, up from 1.3 million a decade earlier. Of these, over 1.2 million receive SEN support, and nearly half a million have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
The pressure is increasing year on year. By January 2026, the number of pupils with an EHCP had reached 482,640, an 11.1 percent rise from 2024, meaning 5.3 percent of all pupils now have a plan.
Behind these numbers are real challenges. A parliamentary inquiry described the system as “adversarial, fragmented and under-resourced”, with teachers and support staff stretched beyond capacity and families fighting for basic support . The report concluded that the system is “not working” and is under “unsustainable pressure” without long term reform.
For schools and multi academy trusts, this means rising demand, increasing complexity of need and a growing requirement for skilled support staff who can deliver high quality, inclusive provision.
How can apprenticeships help: building skilled, confident support teams?
Amid this pressure, high quality training for support staff has never been more important. Two apprenticeships in particular are helping schools strengthen their SEND provision.
Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship
The Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for staff working directly with pupils who have SEND. It is ideal for classroom based support roles and helps schools build confident, capable practitioners.
Key benefits
Stronger understanding of SEND needs: Apprentices learn how to support pupils with a wide range of needs, helping schools respond more effectively to rising demand.
Practical classroom strategies: Training covers scaffolding, differentiation and behaviour support, giving TAs the tools to make learning accessible.
Improved confidence and consistency: Apprentices develop the skills to work independently and as part of a wider SEND team, supporting more stable provision across year groups.
Better outcomes for pupils: Skilled TAs can make a measurable difference to progress, engagement and well-being, especially for pupils with complex needs.
Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship
For staff ready to take the next step, the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship builds deeper expertise and leadership capability within SEND teams.
Key benefits
Advanced knowledge of SEND: Apprentices explore specific needs in depth, including cognition and learning, communication and interaction, SEMH and sensory needs.
Stronger intervention design: Learners gain the skills to plan, deliver and evaluate targeted interventions, helping schools reduce reliance on external services.
Support for teachers and wider staff: Specialist TAs become a valuable resource for colleagues, offering guidance, modelling strategies and helping to embed inclusive practice.
Leadership within SEND provision: The apprenticeship prepares staff to take on responsibilities such as coordinating support, mentoring junior TAs and contributing to whole school SEND development.
Why this matters now?
With SEND numbers rising and the system under strain, schools need well trained, confident support staff more than ever. Both the Level 3 and Level 5 apprenticeships offer structured, funded pathways that help schools grow their own talent, improve capacity and deliver more consistent, high quality support for pupils.
They also give staff a clear career pathway, helping schools retain skilled practitioners at a time when recruitment is increasingly challenging.
For more information regarding our MATAA apprenticeship training for SEND & Teaching Assistants, please visit our link (below):
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