Sir Martyn Oliver, Chief Inspector of Ofsted, has identified special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as the most significant challenge facing schools in England. The recent statistics reveal over 1.6 million children are affected, prompting calls for increased funding and support. The Department for Education’s £740 million initiative aims to expand places for SEND students in mainstream schools. Oliver emphasized the need for schools to become more inclusive, especially following tragic incidents like the death of head teacher Ruth Perry after a severe Ofsted rating.