Special Education During Lockdown: Providers' and Parents' Experiences. Research Summary

This study explored the experiences of special education providers (schools and colleges) and parents of children who usually attend these settings during the first national lockdown from March – August 2020. The research was carried out between 3rd July and 3rd August 2020, using:

• A representative survey of 201 senior leaders of special schools
and colleges in England
• In-depth interviews with 40 providers and 40 parents or carers
• A survey of 515 parents /carers whose children attended special schools and
colleges supporting children with SEND.

The report details the experiences of participants during the first national lockdown in 2020 but also offers insights into what providers and families are likely to be experiencing during the current third national lockdown (early 2021), with restrictions being placed again on education. These findings should inform policy development around any future lockdowns or changes to special educational provision as a result of Covid-19 in order to offer the best possible support to pupils, families and education staff. We have made 10 recommendations based on our findings.