We call on the Government to launch a statutory public inquiry, under the Inquiries Act 2005, into the provision of SEND services in England following whistleblower allegations, which have led to wider concerns from many about the existence of systemic failures within SEND services.

Children and young people with SEND are legally entitled to appropriate support, yet many families report long delays, unmet needs and difficulties accessing the provision set out in Education, Health and Care Plans. Following recent allegations, we believe only a statutory public inquiry, with the power to compel evidence and hear testimonies from families and professionals can establish the full extent of the problem, identify causes, demand accountability and transparency and make recommendations for reform.