A recent survey conducted by Support SEND Kids, a charity dedicated to assisting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), has uncovered that 41% of parents have been forced to leave their jobs to secure in-school support for their children. The survey, titled Fighting for Your SEND Child: The Hidden Costs, examines the impact of the Education and Healthcare Plan (EHCP) process on parents’ careers.
The study focused on parents who have either successfully obtained an EHCP for their child or are still in the process. The results reveal that the EHCP application and implementation process has had a significant negative effect on parents’ professional lives.
Key findings include:
Nearly half of the surveyed parents had to reduce their working hours or change their job roles to secure appropriate EHCP provisions. Of these, 41% ultimately had to leave the workforce entirely.
Sixty percent of respondents stated that additional support from their school or Local Authority would help them remain employed. Among female respondents, the proportion of those who left their jobs rises to 47%.
Rachel Amos, Co-Founder of Support SEND Kids, commented: “Parents of SEND children often feel like they are in a constant struggle just to ensure their child receives proper education. The fact that 41% of these parents have had to quit their jobs underscores a broken and costly system. Families already facing extra financial burdens due to their child’s needs are further disadvantaged. Women, in particular, are forced to give up their careers, which severely impacts the family’s financial stability. The flawed EHCP system exacerbates these challenges and needs urgent reform.”
Amos continued: “SEND parents have expressed a need for better collaboration and more consistent support from Local Authorities. They also seek greater understanding from employers regarding the time needed for assessments and appointments, and more respite care options. Our charity remains committed to offering free legal and professional guidance to support SEND families through the complex legal landscape they face.”
Without an EHCP, many SEND children struggle to access education. Parents often have to reduce their working hours or leave their jobs to manage additional caregiving responsibilities and to navigate NHS assessments and Local Authority obligations. This often involves a costly tribunal process, with legal expenses not reimbursed even if the claims are successful.
The survey highlights that an EHCP does not guarantee adequate support. When EHCPs are insufficient, poorly delivered, or outdated, SEND children continue to face challenges. Many parents report ongoing disputes with schools or Local Authorities to either obtain or properly implement EHCPs.
The survey also identifies several hidden costs faced by SEND parents:
Protracted Processes: Waiting times of 2 to 4 years for assessments lead many families to seek expensive private sector solutions, with costs for legal representation or expert witnesses at tribunals reaching up to £20,000.
Wraparound Care: The lack of suitable breakfast or after-school clubs for SEND children restricts employment options for their parents.
Stress Levels: The stress and effort required for legal battles against Local Authorities take a toll on parents’ mental health and personal relationships, in addition to the financial burden.
The survey underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to alleviate the financial and emotional strain on families navigating the SEND support system.