A major new study will provide the first national picture of how often pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are referred for, and diagnosed with, mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders.
The study, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, will be conducted by researchers from our School of Education.
Education and mental health
We already know that pupils with SEND are more likely to experience mental health difficulties compared to their peers. However, most previous studies have relied on surveys completed by children or parents and often only capture a snapshot of symptoms without showing how severe or long-lasting the difficulties are.
Using a large national dataset, the team will analyse education and health records to compare clinical referrals and diagnoses among pupils with and without SEND. This will provide a clearer understanding of who is receiving support and where inequalities may exist.
Referrals and diagnoses
The study will examine whether mental health referral and diagnosis rates differ between SEND groups, and how factors such as age, gender, socio-economic background and region influence these patterns. Researchers will also explore how rates have changed over time, including before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The findings will be shared with policymakers, local authorities, schools and others so that it can help support decisions about funding, prevention programmes and early intervention.
