This document presents an updated analysis for 2023 of SEN trends nationally and how these trends vary between local areas. It has a particular focus on:

• 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 (i.e. specialist provision that is used when children’s needs cannot be met locally)

The latter half of our analysis – the SEN stress-test – recognises that local authorities are experiencing different pressures. We use a basket of indicators to identify those who we think are experiencing the most pressures and stresses in relation to SEN provision.