Number of children getting special educational needs support hits another record high

After many years of trying to get support for her son, Karen Quinn is currently going through the EHCP process. Adam is 11 years old and will be going to secondary school in September. For mum Karen, getting an EHCP in place before that transition is crucial. Adam is autistic and has ADHD and dyslexia. Karen says he's very bright, but struggles with his writing and emotional regulation. Now in Year 6, she says he has been suspended from school several times and is struggling. She says trying to secure SEND support "wastes so much of their one little childhood that they have". After putting in the EHCP paperwork in February, Karen says the council agreed to assess Adam in May, a couple of months later than expected. "It's not massive delays, but every delay is going to impact the transition to high school," she says. Karen says the EHCP would need to be issued by the end of June to meet the 20-week timescale targets, but that she doesn't think it will be in place in time for secondary school in September. "I just want him to get the help that he needs to be the best that he can be," she says. Helyn Clack, cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning at Surrey County Council, said: "While we cannot comment on the circumstances of individual children, EHCP assessments are governed by national legislation and are considered on a case-by-case basis. …