Cap Profits of Private SEND Providers and End This National Scandal

I’ve heard from countless families, headteachers and professionals across Newbury who are at their wits’ end with the current state of special educational needs provision.

Whether it’s delays in assessments, lack of suitable local placements, or rising home-to-school transport costs, the system is clearly broken. Meanwhile, private special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) providers, many of them backed by private equity, are making huge profits.

House of Commons Library research shows that some of the biggest SEND operators are making profit margins of over 20%. That’s money coming out of stretched council budgets – and ultimately, away from children who need support.

We’re lucky in West Berkshire to have incredible schools like Castle School doing everything they can for pupils with additional needs. But even the best schools can only do so much when councils are being priced out of the system.

That’s why I’m backing the Liberal Democrats’ call for an 8% cap on profits for private SEND providers. This would bring them in line with other public sector contractors and ensure that taxpayers’ money goes on education, not excess.

I’ve also met with local parent groups and spoken with West Berkshire Council about what more can be done. We need urgent action from the Government, not just to cap profits, but to fix the funding system and give every child the support they deserve.