In April 2014, Cordis Bright produced its first analysis of SEN trends and developed the SEN stress-test.

This document provides an update for 2017.

The analysis of SEN trends examines:

• Numbers and rates of children with SEN
• Types of need
• Profile of provision used to respond to these needs
• Spending on Independent and Non-Maintained Special Schools (typically more specialist provision that is used when children’s needs cannot be met locally)

The SEN stress test was developed in recognition that national trends often disguised very different local trends and pressures.

The stress test uses 7 indicators to identify local authorities that may be experiencing most pressures in relation to SEN provision.