Why did the issue of special educational needs funding end up in court?

Analysis: After parents took the government to court, Eleanor Busby looks at the reasons behind the move

Protesters at the High Court yesterday

The number of parents across the country fighting to improve the support and resources available to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has been growing.

After a series of court appeals and complaints by parents, the strength of feeling has become so strong that three families decided to challenge the government in court over SEND funding.

The judge may have ruled that there was “no unlawful discrimination” in the government’s approach to the funding, but what is undeniable is that schools and councils are still struggling to cope with a steep increase in the number of young people with complex needs.