They’re Not Just Numbers: Why We Must Rethink How We Support Young People with SEN
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Nearly 1 in 5 pupils in England now receive support for Special Educational Needs (SEN) — a powerful reminder of the growing need for inclusive education. Over 482,000 young people currently have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in place to help them navigate school life and find their path beyond the classroom.
But behind the statistics are real lives — young people who deserve more than just a plan on paper. They deserve a system that works, people who care, and opportunities that are built with their unique strengths and challenges in mind.
This is not just about education. It’s about equality, identity, dignity, and hope.
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The Silent Struggle Behind the School Gates
For too long, too many children have felt like they don’t fit in. Whether it’s dyslexia, autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, or emotional and behavioural needs — these are not flaws, but differences. Yet our system, stretched and underfunded, still too often treats those differences as problems to be managed rather than potential to be unlocked.
When nearly 20% of all pupils need extra support, it’s not a marginal issue — it’s a national one. And it forces us to ask some hard questions: Are we truly meeting their needs? Are we giving teachers the training and resources they need? Are we listening to the families and carers who see the day-to-day struggles? Are we preparing these young people for a meaningful future?
Too often, the answer is no.
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The EHCP: A Lifeline – But Only If It Works
The Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is meant to be a joined-up solution — one that recognises a young person’s holistic needs and brings together education, health, and social care. In theory, it’s a powerful tool. In practice, the system around it can be inconsistent, slow, and, at times, disheartening.
Families often find themselves fighting for months, sometimes years, to secure an EHCP. Others are told their child doesn’t meet the threshold, even when they clearly need tailored support. And even when an EHCP is granted, the right provision isn’t always in place — due to staff shortages, funding gaps, or lack of specialised placements.
The weight of navigating this system shouldn’t fall on exhausted parents, overwhelmed schools, or the young people themselves.
We need to do better — not just in writing plans, but in turning them into real, lived support.
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The Risk of Being Left Behind
When the system doesn’t work, the consequences are long-lasting. Young people with unmet SEN are more likely to fall behind in school, face exclusion, or drop out altogether. They’re also more vulnerable to mental health struggles, isolation, and sadly, involvement in the criminal justice system. Some of the most disengaged and misunderstood young people I’ve worked with over the years were once the kids who struggled to concentrate in class, or who lashed out because they couldn’t find the words to explain their frustration. They weren’t “bad kids.” They were kids crying out for help — often with undiagnosed or unsupported needs. When no one listens, they give up. And when the world gives up on them, they start to believe they’re not worth anything. That’s not a failure of the child — it’s a failure of the system.
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We Must Shift the Narrative
We need a cultural shift in how we view SEN — from deficit to difference. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with this young person?” we need to ask, “What do they need to thrive?” Instead of labelling them as “challenging,” let’s challenge ourselves to adapt the environment around them. This isn’t just the job of teachers or support workers — it’s everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re a policymaker, employer, community leader, or just someone who cares, you have a role to play in building a more inclusive world. We need to champion young people’s voices and give them platforms to be heard. We need more role models who’ve turned their own challenges into strengths. And we need to invest — not just financially, but emotionally and culturally — in building systems that are flexible, compassionate, and rooted in real understanding.
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Inclusion Means Opportunity
Support shouldn’t stop at the school gates. For many young people with SEN, the transition from education to employment or further training is where the cracks deepen. Many leave school without the confidence, qualifications, or support networks to move forward. That’s why organisations like Genuine Futures are working to bridge the gap — helping young people develop real-world skills, find purpose, and feel valued. From outdoor activities that build resilience to hands-on training in tech, trades, and entrepreneurship, the focus is on unlocking potential rather than managing problems.
“When we take the time to understand how a young person learns, communicates, and experiences the world, we’re not just supporting them — we’re investing in a better future for everyone,” says Mike Alleyne, Director of Genuine Futures. “We’ve seen young people with EHCPs who were completely disengaged from mainstream education go on to run their own businesses, lead on digital projects, and even come back as mentors for others. That’s the power of the right support in the right environment.” At Genuine Futures, inclusion isn’t an afterthought — it’s embedded into everything.
Every workshop, every activity, and every partnership is designed with accessibility in mind. “Our approach is about recognising strengths, not just needs,” Mike adds. “Too many systems focus on what young people can’t do. We flip that — we ask, what can they do? What excites them? What makes them feel alive? That’s where we start.” This asset-based approach has led to real, measurable success: improved confidence, reduced isolation, increased access to training, and a growing number of young people transitioning into employment or enterprise.
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What Needs to Happen Now
If we’re serious about change, we need action on multiple fronts:
* Investment in SEN support staff, training, and early intervention services.
* Streamlining the EHCP process so it’s quicker, clearer, and less adversarial.
* More specialist placements and in-school provision that allow young people to stay in their communities.
* Support beyond school, including supported internships, apprenticeships, and mental health services.
* Lived experience at the centre – young people, families, and practitioners must shape the services designed for them.
The government’s statistics are a wake-up call — but they should also be a catalyst for hope. Because now we know the scale of the need, we have no excuse not to act.
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Every Young Person Deserves a Fighting Chance
This isn’t just a campaign. It’s a call for humanity. Every child — whether they’re quietly struggling to read, bouncing off the walls with energy they don’t know how to channel, or shutting down because the world feels overwhelming — deserves to feel seen, supported, and safe.
Behind every EHCP is a young person with dreams, fears, and enormous potential. Let’s build a world where their needs aren’t just tolerated — they’re embraced. Where their education isn’t a battle — it’s a bridge. And where every young person, regardless of their starting point, gets the chance to boss their future. Because they’re not just numbers. They’re our future.
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