# Number of Children Receiving Special Educational Needs Support Reaches Record High The number of children receiving support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) has reached a new record level, according to the latest government figures. Data shows that the number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) increased by 12.5% between January 2025 and January 2026. More than 700,000 children and young people now have an EHCP, marking the highest annual increase since the system was introduced over a decade ago. ## Record Number of EHCPs Issued Across England EHCPs are legal documents that outline the additional educational, health, and social care support a child is entitled to receive. Families can apply for these plans when a child needs more support than mainstream schools typically provide. During 2025, authorities issued more than 110,000 new EHCPs. The figures cover children and young people up to the age of 25. Despite the increase in support plans, councils continue to struggle with processing applications on time. Fewer than half of all EHCPs were issued within the required 20 week legal deadline. ## Mainstream Schools Supporting More SEND Students The latest figures also show a significant rise in the number of children with EHCPs attending mainstream schools. Compared with last year, the number of students with EHCPs in mainstream education increased by more than 15%. Nearly half of all children and young people with an EHCP now attend mainstream schools. The government recently announced plans to reform the SEND system. Officials want mainstream schools to become more inclusive and better equipped to support pupils with additional needs. A spokesperson for the Department for Education said the figures highlight the scale of the challenges facing the education system. The department also confirmed plans to invest £4 billion to expand specialist support within mainstream schools. According to the department, the goal is to help every child succeed while ensuring those with the most complex needs receive specialist assistance. ## Families Continue to Face Challenges For many families, securing support remains a lengthy and stressful process. Karen Quinn is currently applying for an EHCP for her 11 year old son, Adam, who will begin secondary school in September. Adam is autistic and also has ADHD and dyslexia. Although he performs well academically, he struggles with writing tasks and emotional regulation. Karen says her son has faced difficulties at school and has received multiple suspensions. She believes obtaining an EHCP before the move to secondary education is essential to helping him succeed. She also says families often spend years trying to access the support their children need. According to her, delays can take away valuable opportunities during a child's early years. ## Government Plans Further SEND Reforms The sharp rise in EHCP numbers highlights the growing demand for SEND services across England. Education leaders continue to call for faster assessments, increased funding, and improved support in schools. As demand rises, the government's planned reforms will play a key role in determining how effectively schools can meet the needs of children with SEND in the years ahead.
Education

Number of Children Receiving Special Educational Needs Support Reaches Record High

The number of children receiving support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities…

A Bristol Crown Court jury found the 16-year-old not guilty of both murder and manslaughter after hearing evidence that the fatal stabbing happened during playfighting.
Crime and Justice

A Bristol Crown Court jury found the 16-year-old not guilty

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# Andy Burnham Could Become UK Prime Minister Within Weeks Under Labour Leadership Timetable Labour has announced a fast-track schedule to elect its next leader following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation. The timetable could allow Andy Burnham to become both Labour leader and prime minister as early as 17 July. Burnham currently appears to be the strongest candidate in the race. If no other Labour MP secures enough support to challenge him, he could take over leadership within a matter of weeks. ## Labour Unveils Leadership Election Schedule Labour's governing body has outlined the process for selecting the party's next leader. Candidates can begin collecting MP nominations on 9 July and must reach the required threshold by 15 July. Those who qualify must then secure support from affiliated organizations, including trade unions, by 16 July. If only one candidate meets all requirements, Labour will announce the new leader at a special party conference on 17 July. Following that announcement, the King would formally appoint the new prime minister. ## Membership Vote Possible if More Candidates Enter The situation could change if additional candidates enter the contest and secure enough backing. In that case, Labour members and affiliated supporters would vote between 6 August and 27 August. The party would then announce the final result on 29 August. At present, Burnham remains the only confirmed candidate, which strengthens the possibility of an early leadership transition. ## Burnham Gains Strong Support Across Labour Burnham declared his intention to run shortly after Sir Keir stepped down on Monday. Several prominent Labour figures have already endorsed his campaign. Supporters include Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, and Health Secretary James Murray. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting also decided not to run and instead backed Burnham's bid for the leadership. Meanwhile, Darren Jones has ruled out entering the race. Former Armed Forces minister Al Carns has not yet confirmed whether he plans to stand. Political observers believe Burnham may attract enough nominations to prevent any rival candidate from reaching the required threshold. ## Starmer Seeks Smooth Transfer of Power Although Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, he will remain prime minister until Labour elects a new leader. He has emphasized the importance of an orderly transition and has authorized civil servants to meet potential leadership candidates. These meetings aim to help candidates prepare for the responsibilities of government. Government officials have rejected suggestions that the administration has become ineffective during the transition period. They insist ministers continue to carry out their duties while the leadership contest unfolds. ## What Happens Next? The coming weeks will determine whether Burnham faces competition or secures an uncontested victory. If no challenger emerges, Labour could install a new leader and prime minister on 17 July. If the race becomes contested, party members will have the final say in August. For now, Burnham remains the clear favorite to lead Labour into its next chapter.
PoliticsUnited States

Andy Burnham Could Become UK Prime Minister Within Weeks Under Labour Leadership Timetable

Labour has announced a fast-track schedule to elect its next leader following…

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# UK Heatwave Breaks Records as Temperatures Reach 36.7°C The United Kingdom experienced its hottest day of 2026 on Thursday as temperatures climbed to 36.7°C in Somerset. Weather experts have also warned that the country could see its warmest June night ever, with overnight temperatures expected to remain unusually high. According to provisional weather data, Merryfield in Somerset recorded the highest temperature of the day. The figure surpassed previous records and marked the hottest day of June this year. ## Extreme Heat Warning Remains in Effect Authorities have kept a rare red extreme heat warning in place across parts of England and Wales. The alert covers southern, central, and western regions and highlights serious risks linked to prolonged high temperatures. Officials extended the warning for a third consecutive day, the first time such an extension has occurred. Millions of people in London and southeastern England remain affected by the alert. ## Warm Nights Add to Heatwave Challenges The heatwave has created difficult conditions across the country. Many residents struggled to sleep as temperatures stayed exceptionally high overnight. Wednesday night became the warmest June night on record in the UK after temperatures in Cardiff remained above 23.5°C. The previous June record stood at 22.7°C and had been in place since 1976. Forecasters believe Thursday night could challenge or even surpass that record as hot air continues to dominate much of the country. ## Schools, Water Restrictions and Travel Disruption The ongoing heatwave has already caused widespread disruption. Several schools closed because of the extreme conditions, while water companies introduced hosepipe restrictions for some customers in Kent. Transport services also faced delays and disruptions as infrastructure struggled to cope with the intense heat. ## Rain and Thunderstorms Expected Weather conditions are expected to change gradually. Forecasters predict periods of heavy rain across Scotland, moving southeast during the evening. Thunderstorms may also develop in southwestern areas before spreading inland. While these conditions could bring temporary relief, many regions are likely to remain very warm. ## Record Temperatures Across All UK Nations Every nation within the UK recorded its highest temperature of the year on Thursday. England reached 36.7°C in Merryfield, Somerset, setting a new June benchmark for 2026. Wales recorded 35.6°C in Cardiff's Bute Park, making it the hottest June day ever recorded in the nation. The previous June record was 33.7°C. Scotland recorded its highest temperature of the year at 31.2°C in Threave, Dumfries and Galloway. Northern Ireland also experienced its hottest day of 2026, reaching 30.0°C in Castlederg, County Tyrone. ## Heatwave Continues to Grip the UK Meteorologists continue to monitor the situation closely as the heatwave affects millions of people across the country. With temperatures remaining unusually high both day and night, health officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and take precautions during the extreme weather conditions.
Weather

UK Heatwave Breaks Records as Temperatures Reach 36.7°C

The United Kingdom experienced its hottest day of 2026 on Thursday as…

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Europe Heatwave 2026: Extreme Temperatures Move East Across the Continent

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