• 45% of parents of disabled children say they have struggled to find a school that meets their child's needs;• 45% have had difficulties getting their EHCP delivered;• 38% say their child must travel a long way to access the right support.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education told Sky News: "Every child and young person deserves the best life chances, which is why we announced a significant £1bn investment into the SEND system and a further £740m for local authorities to create more specialist places where they are most needed.
Kevin McDonnell, headteacher of Stormont House Special School, said: "Local authorities haven't had the power to open special schools, and it's been illegal for them to do so.
Many families of children with special needs say the system is broken and specialist schools are feeling the pressure too.
Ms Currie's local authority said it always works with families to try to resolve disputes despite stretched budgets and increasing demand.
