A Jersey education specialist is calling on the Island’s States Members to make reform of Jersey’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system an immediate post-election priority.
Mr Peter Fekete (pictured), former Head of Sixth Form at Victoria College and director of Black’s Academy, has published a new policy paper examining growing pressures within Jersey’s SEND system, including rising demand, escalating costs, delays in support and mounting frustration among families and schools.
The paper, recently published through the Policy Centre Jersey, draws together findings from recent independent reviews, government reports and wider educational research to explore why the Island’s SEND system is struggling to keep pace with increasing need.
Among the issues highlighted are:
- significant increases in SEND-related spending and school budget overspends
- delays in identifying and supporting children with additional needs
- concerns over inconsistent provision and communication with families; and
- the lack of implementation of recommendations made in previous independent reviews.
Mr Fekete said the issue has so far received relatively little attention during the election campaign despite its growing impact on children, parents, schools and public finances.
“Jersey has many dedicated professionals working within the system, but the evidence suggests the pressures are continuing to intensify,” he said.
“My concern is that we are often responding to symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes. The next Assembly has an opportunity to move this issue higher up the public agenda and develop a more coherent long-term approach.”
The paper argues for earlier intervention, stronger support for inclusive education, improved communication with parents and a greater focus on practical classroom support rather than structural reform alone. It also questions whether current systems are sustainable as demand continues to rise.
Records of Need in Jersey more than doubled between 2017 and 2024, while SEND-related spending increased from £17.2 million in 2021 to almost £38 million in 2025.
Mr Fekete said he hoped the paper would contribute to a broader public conversation following the election.
“At a time when housing, healthcare and the cost of living have dominated political debate, the growing pressures within Jersey’s SEND system have received comparatively little public attention.
“But SEND is not a niche issue – it’s about ensuring that children and families receive effective support early enough to make a meaningful difference.”
