Special educational needs and disabilities
In England, the number of children identified as having special educational needs and disabilities is rising. What are the opportunities for support and barriers to access?

Join POST and experts from the Office for National Statistics in this closed briefing and discover everything you need to know about the 2021 census. What is the value of census data for parliamentary scrutiny? What research services does it enable? How are the needs of Parliament for social data evolving?
The national census for England and Wales will take place on 21 March 2021. The census is conducted every ten years and collects valuable and detailed information about every household. The data is used to shape policy, allocate resources, plan public services and monitor equality. For the first time, this will be a digital-first census, with targeted support and activities to maximise participation across all communities.
In this closed briefing, speakers from the Office for National Statistics will give an overview of the plans for the 2021 census, including its operation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and significant changes since 2011. Discussion will also focus on public engagement, data accessibility of census outputs and perspectives on the future of a decennial census in the digital age. Speakers from the House of Commons Library will reflect on the value of census data for parliamentary scrutiny and in providing research services, and how the needs of Parliament for social data are evolving.
Chair’s welcome
9:30
Lord Lipsey
Panel discussion
Cassie Barton – Library Clerk, Social and General Statistics Section, House of Commons Library
Iain Bell – Deputy National Statistician for Population and Public Policy, ONS
Nicola Tyson-Payne – Interim Director of Transformation, Population and Public Policy, ONS
Penny Young – House of Commons Librarian
Chair’s closing remarks
10:25
Close
10:30
Who can join
This briefing is open to parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, Government officials and public servant.
In England, the number of children identified as having special educational needs and disabilities is rising. What are the opportunities for support and barriers to access?
Application deadline: 4 May 2025 (23:59).
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