Why supporting children with additional needs has never been more important
Walk into almost any school today and you’ll hear a similar conversation.
More pupils need additional support.
More families are seeking advice.
More schools are working incredibly hard to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Across England, demand for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support has continued to grow, bringing new opportunities alongside significant challenges for schools, education professionals and local authorities.
At Castle Education, these aren’t just statistics—we see the impact every day through our conversations with schools across Yorkshire.
Whether it’s helping schools recruit experienced Teaching Assistants, supporting the appointment of SEND specialists or speaking with educators looking to build careers in inclusive education, one thing is clear:
The need for skilled, compassionate SEND professionals has never been greater.
The numbers tell an important story
Recent Department for Education statistics show that more than 1.8 million pupils in England are now identified as having special educational needs, representing almost one in every five pupils. This continues a steady upward trend seen over the last decade.
The number of pupils with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan has risen to more than 538,000, increasing by 11.6% in a single year and more than doubling since 2016.
The most common primary need for pupils with an EHC Plan is now Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), while Speech, Language and Communication Needs remain the largest category for pupils receiving SEN Support without an EHC Plan.
These figures don’t simply represent growing demand for specialist provision.
They reflect thousands of children who need the right support, at the right time, from skilled education professionals who can help them reach their potential.
What we’re seeing across Yorkshire
Although every school is different, many of the conversations we’re having with Headteachers, SENCOs and school leaders share common themes.
Schools are increasingly telling us they are:
- Recruiting more Teaching Assistants to support inclusive classrooms.
- Looking for professionals with SEND experience across both mainstream and specialist settings.
- Investing in staff training to build confidence supporting pupils with diverse needs.
- Finding it increasingly difficult to recruit experienced SEND practitioners.
This isn’t unique to Yorkshire, but it is something many schools across our region are navigating as they prepare for each new academic year.
It’s about inclusion, not labels
SEND isn’t one single need.
It includes a wide range of learning differences, communication needs, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, social, emotional and mental health needs, and neurodevelopmental differences.
Every child is different.
Every classroom is different.
And every school is working to balance increasing demand with limited time, resources and funding.
That’s why recruitment has become so important.
Finding the right people isn’t simply about filling vacancies.
It’s about ensuring children receive consistent support from professionals who have the patience, empathy and understanding to help them succeed.
Why recruitment matters more than ever
As demand grows, so does competition for experienced SEND professionals.
Schools are increasingly looking beyond qualifications alone, recognising the importance of values, adaptability and relationship-building.
India Bradbury, SEND Specialist at Castle Education, sees this every day.
“One of the things I love most about working in SEND recruitment is seeing the difference the right person can make, not just to a child, but to an entire classroom. The schools we work with aren’t simply looking for experience; they’re looking for people who genuinely care, who are patient, adaptable and passionate about helping every pupil reach their potential.”
She also believes more people could thrive in SEND than they realise.
“Many candidates don’t initially see themselves working in SEND, but once they experience the environment, they discover how rewarding it can be. Some of our most successful placements have been people who brought compassion, resilience and a willingness to learn. Those qualities are invaluable.”
Supporting schools beyond recruitment
At Castle Education, we’re passionate about helping schools build inclusive, supportive teams.
That means taking time to understand each school’s culture, the needs of their pupils and the type of person who will genuinely make a difference.
It also means supporting candidates to understand the realities—and the rewards—of working in SEND, ensuring they feel prepared and confident as they begin their journey.
We believe recruitment is only one part of the picture.
Building a workforce that feels supported, valued and equipped to meet the needs of today’s pupils is equally important.
Looking ahead
As awareness of SEND continues to grow and more children receive the support they need, schools will continue to adapt.
That will require investment, collaboration and, above all, great people.
Across Yorkshire, we continue to be inspired by the dedication of teachers, Teaching Assistants, SENCOs and school leaders who work tirelessly to create inclusive environments where every child can flourish.
Their work changes lives every single day.
And we’re proud to play a small part in supporting them.
Looking for your next role in SEND?
Whether you’re an experienced SEND professional, a Teaching Assistant looking for your next opportunity or someone considering a career supporting children with additional needs, we’d love to help you find a role where you can make a meaningful difference.
Or, if your school is looking to strengthen its SEND team ahead of the new academic year, our specialist consultants are here to help.
