Vikki Slade backs Lib Dem call for SEND to be treated as “Critical National Infrastructure” to protect vulnerable children

Vikki Slade, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has backed her party’s policy for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision to be designated as Critical National Infrastructure, warning that vulnerable children must not be treated as “cash cows” by offshore investors.

The intervention comes ahead of the Government’s forthcoming SEND White Paper.

Vikki is backing proposals that would formally classify SEND provision alongside essential services such as energy, transport and water. The plans would also make acquisitions of SEND providers subject to public interest tests under the Enterprise Act, giving Ministers greater powers to intervene where deals risk prioritising profit over children’s wellbeing.

SEND education has been a key priority for Vikki since her maiden speech in Parliament. She has repeatedly raised concerns about excessive fees charged to councils by some independent providers.

“After enquiries with local councils, I established that independent special schools are charging three to four times more than maintained (government-funded) special schools, with 78 children in placements costing in excess of £100,000 per year,” she said.

“Some children need highly specialised provision, but many can receive an excellent education and support in council-run specialist schools.”

Over the past decade, private companies — including large overseas investment funds — have bought up increasing numbers of SEND schools and services. 

Vikki added:

“The suggestion that profit — and worse, profit going overseas — is driving the costs in some SEND settings, as well as in homes for children in care, is very worrying and the Government should take action to outlaw it,” she said.

“Making SEND provision Critical National Infrastructure is an interesting way to ensure the public interest is served and to reduce the risk of councils going bankrupt under the extreme costs of SEND provision.”

In Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, the rising cost of SEND has already had serious consequences.

“BCP Council has been forced to increase council tax above the referendum threshold because of the cost of servicing the SEND deficit,” Vikki added. “We must find solutions that protect council services and put our vulnerable children first.”