Third of UK parents have sought special needs assessment for their child, survey finds

A new survey from Parentkind and YouGov has revealed that around one in three UK parents have asked for a special educational needs (SEN) assessment for their child. In England, the figure is even higher at 34%. It’s a striking statistic that points to rising demand for support – and the strain many families are facing.

At Fern Insight we’re always interested in what large-scale surveys can reveal about lived experiences. Numbers alone don’t tell the full story, but they do highlight where pressures are building and where more research is needed.

What the Survey Found

The survey, covering more than 5,800 parents, found:

• Half of those requesting assessments had them carried out by their child’s school. The other half were either still waiting or had turned to private providers.

• A quarter of families waiting for assessments have been waiting over a year.

• 15% of parents reported giving up work to care for their child, while one in five said they had taken time off.

• Around 40% said the process had affected their own mental health.

  
  

To put this in context, about 20% of children in England are officially identified as having SEN, and just 5% hold an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The difference between how many parents are requesting assessments and how many children are formally supported is significant.

Why This Matters

There are a few clear implications from this data:

1. Awareness is increasing – Parents are more informed about conditions such as autism, ADHD and speech and language needs, and are quicker to seek assessment.

2. The system is struggling to keep up – Delays of a year or more are not sustainable. Families with financial means are going private, while others face long waits.

3. Families are carrying the cost – The financial and emotional toll on parents is clear, with some leaving work altogether and many reporting stress and mental health challenges.

   
   

The Bigger Picture

This is more than an education story. It has consequences for:

• Workforce participation – Parents reducing hours or leaving employment entirely.

• Child outcomes – Delayed support means children may fall further behind.

• Equity – Families with resources can go private; others may be left waiting.

  
  

With government SEND reforms expected later this year, this survey is timely. It provides hard evidence of a system under pressure and highlights why parents’ experiences need to be central in policy discussions.

What It Means for Research

For those of us working in survey research and insights, this is a reminder of how valuable high-quality data can be in shaping debate. There are clear opportunities for:

• Tracking regional differences – Which areas are coping, and which are falling behind?

• Hearing directly from families – Beyond numbers, what does the lived experience look like?

• Testing new solutions – From specialist provision to digital tools, surveys can help assess what parents value and what would make a difference.

  
  

At Fern Insight, we believe surveys aren’t just about measuring problems – they’re about giving people a voice and helping organisations design better responses. This study shows just how powerful those voices can be.

Final Thoughts

The fact that a third of parents are now seeking SEN assessments is a signal that demand has outpaced capacity. Behind every statistic are families juggling work, finances and wellbeing while fighting to get the right support for their children.

As researchers, it’s our role to make sure those experiences are captured, understood and used to inform change.

💡 If you’d like to talk about how survey research can support your organisation in understanding parent or community experiences, get in touch with us at Fern Insight.