A recent report has raised concerns about the treatment of children with special educational needs in schools. The Runnymede Trust, a racial justice charity, highlighted a troubling trend of under-diagnosis of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) among students from minority ethnic backgrounds, especially Black boys.
The report revealed that Black children, those with SEND, and students receiving free school meals are disproportionately suspended and excluded from school. Researchers noted that vulnerable students often face exclusion as a means to safeguard exam results rather than addressing their underlying needs, such as unmet SEND requirements or racial bias.
During the 2023/24 academic year, there were approximately 955,000 suspensions, marking a 21% increase from the previous year, with nearly 11,000 permanent exclusions. Data showed that identified students with needs were over three times more likely to be suspended, while those eligible for free school meals were more than four times as likely compared to their peers.
The study also highlighted disparities in suspension rates among different ethnic groups, with Black Caribbean and Mixed White and Black Caribbean pupils experiencing higher rates compared to White British pupils. Racial bias and stereotypes were identified as contributing factors to the disproportionate exclusion of Black boys from schools.
The report emphasized the detrimental impact of school exclusions on children, warning that such actions could lead to criminalization and trauma, affecting both the individuals and their families. Further research indicated that a significant percentage of individuals receiving prison sentences had a history of school suspensions and identified SEND during their schooling.
Dr. Shabna Begum, the chief executive of the Runnymede Trust, stressed the need to shift the current culture of exclusion in schools towards a more nurturing and supportive environment for all students. Efforts are being made by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to reform the SEND system to address these pressing issues, including better training for teachers in special educational needs and the introduction of national standards to improve the system.