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Written question asked by Lord Addington (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.


Special Educational Needs

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to collect data on identified special educational needs, including but not limited to dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autism, to ensure sufficient capacity to successfully support affected individuals going through the education system.

Answer

The department collects data on 14 primary need types which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/complete-the-school-census/data-items-2025-to-2026.

This information is published in two publications, accessible at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/special-educational-needs-in-england/2025-26 and https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/education-health-and-care-plans/2026.

Information on children and pupils with dyslexia and dyspraxia hyperactive disorder is collected as part of the category of specific learning difficulty as defined by paragraph 6.31 of the current special educational needs code of practice. This category includes a range of conditions, also including dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia.

The department is committed to supporting local areas to create high-quality places that are suitable to meet the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The department wants more children and young people to access the right support in a local mainstream setting, enabling them to learn alongside their peers and siblings, instead of travelling a long way to a special school.

For this reason, we are investing at least £3.7 billion in high needs capital funding between 2025-2026 and 2029-2030, to support local authorities to provide places for children and young people with SEND, or who require alternative provision across early years settings, schools, and colleges.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL538
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Special educational needs
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk