The number of children with special educational needs (SEN) has continued to rise, piling further pressure on cash-strapped councils.

Department for Education statistics showed the number of SEN pupils has increased for a second consecutive year from 1,244,255 in 2017 to 1,276,215 in 2018. This follows a period of year-on-year decreases from 1,704,980 in January 2010 to 1,228,785 in 2016.