A new report from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), High-SEND Schools: Understanding the Uneven Distribution of Pupils with SEND Across England’s Mainstream Schools published this week shines a stark light on one of the biggest equity challenges facing our education system: the uneven spread of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across schools in England.

At a time when one in five pupils in England is identified as having SEND, the report shows that this need is far from evenly shared. Some schools now educate six times more pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) than others - often in the most deprived communities with the fewest resources.

The implications are profound. Not only for funding and staffing, but also for literacy and learning outcomes across the system.

A System Under SEN Strain

Over the past decade, the number of pupils with SEND has risen sharply from 1.2 million in 2015 to 1.7 million in 2025. The biggest growth has been among pupils with EHCPs, doubling to over 5% of the school population. More than half of all children with EHCPs are now taught in mainstream settings, placing additional pressure on already stretched classrooms.

This means that many schools, often those with strong reputations for inclusion, are operating under immense strain. Local authorities told NFER that some mainstream schools are now “at breaking point,” with SENCOs juggling up to 130 annual reviews a year and struggling to maintain both quality and compliance.

The Literacy Challenge

For pupils with SEND, literacy is often the greatest barrier to engagement and progress. Reading difficulties intersect with many types of SEND - from speech, language and communication needs, to autism, ADHD, and social, emotional and mental health challenges.

The report’s findings make clear that in schools with high proportions of SEND pupils, literacy support is not just an academic priority - it’s a life skill intervention.

High-SEND schools are more likely to serve deprived communities, where book access and language exposure are already limited. Without targeted reading resources, inclusive teaching tools, and properly funded interventions, the literacy gap risks widening further.

At the same time, the report offers an opportunity: schools that invest in inclusive literacy practices - from phonics and vocabulary support to diverse reading materials that reflect pupils’ experiences - are often those building the most inclusive cultures.

A Call for Systemic Support

The NFER concludes that reform is essential. As the government prepares its SEND White Paper in 2026 - and with the National Year of Reading 2026 on the horizon - there’s an urgent need to join the dots between literacy, inclusion, and equity.

Every child deserves the chance to read, to be heard, and to thrive so here we have shared many of our LoveReading4Kids recommended reading lists for children with SEND to help teachers, parents and carers, and librarians find books that include, represent, and support children with diverse needs and abilities.

Reading Support by Learning Profile

These lists focus on accessibility, format, and reading experience.

Dyslexia-Friendly Reads

One in ten children in the UK is thought to be dyslexic. Yet, a report published earlier this year by the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) reveals a shocking truth: despite their intelligence, creativity and potential, dyslexic pupils continue to be left behind, particularly when it comes to GCSE success.

Dive into our Guide for Dyslexic Readers by Barrington Stoke who have, for over 25 years, been pioneering super-readable books, each expertly designed and edited to counter difficulties including dyslexia and visual stress, and to support those falling behind with their reading. 

We have collated what we think are some of the best Super-Readable titles all of which are also dyslexia-friendly. They are all specifically written to help readers who have visual stress and for dyslexic readers to enjoy reading.

Reluctant & Emerging Readers

Here at LoveReading4Kids, we want to ensure that every child, however sceptical or unconfident they are, is given the chance to become a voracious reader. Turn hesitant and unconfident readers into book-lovers with our selection of books for reluctant readers and collection of high-interest, low-reading-age (Hi-Lo) fiction.

Sensory-Friendly & Visual Stories

We have curated a list of sensory-friendly reads - with a mix of picture books, early readers, and inclusive stories that work beautifully for children with sensory processing differences, autism, or developmental delay.

Children's Book Recommendations by Type of SEND / Need

These categories of book recommendations reflect different learning or developmental profiles.

Books for Children with Autism & Social Communication Needs

Here we have collated a list of children's books that model empathy, social connection, and understanding difference. It features a mix of fiction to show representation) and non-fiction for explanation..

Books for Children with ADHD 

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifespan, neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a person's behaviour, attentiveness, and ability to control impulses. People with ADHD are often brilliantly creative, great fun, quick witted and exhilarating company. The hyperfocusing element of ADHD can be a superpower! We have selected a group of children's books for this collection - fictional stories that feature characters with ADHD and promote empathy and tolerance, as well as non-fiction books to give you the facts.

Books for Children with Speech, Language & Communication Needs

Books that support vocabulary, rhyme, repetition and dialogue are vital tools for children with speech-challenges. By introducing strong rhythm and patterned language, these titles (think the work of Julia Donaldson, Joseph Coelho and Rachel Bright) help turn reading into an interactive, confidence-building experience. The predictable structure and oral storytelling value of these books give children repeated opportunities to practise sounds and phrases, reflect on dialogue, and feel successful in communication

Books for Children with Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties

Children experiencing emotional or behavioural challenges often need stories that help them feel seen, supported, and safe. Books that explore resilience, self-regulation, friendship, and belonging can provide powerful models for understanding emotions and managing big feelings. Through relatable characters and gentle storytelling, these books open up conversations about empathy, coping, and confidence — reminding every child that their emotions are valid, and that connection and kindness can make all the difference.

Books for Children with Physical Disabilities / Sensory Impairments

We have over 50 children's books featuring disabled protagonists in this collection of recommended reads. According to Scope, 8% of children in the UK have a disability; this may be an obvious physical disability or one that is hidden - and 10% of children in the UK live in a family with at least one disabled child.

Every child and teenager should be able to fulfil their potential and have the confidence to succeed as they grow up. But disabled children and their families face daily challenges that make life harder.

It isn't always easy to find books for children that reflect this reality but we can guarantee the books in this collection are positive stories, with credible characters that tackle issues of inclusivity.

Books for Children to Help Build Empathy

Based on scientific research showing that empathy is learnable, and that books are an essential empathy-building tool, the 2025 list of 70 expertly selected titles has been curated by Empathy Lab to inspire young people to learn more about empathy and put it into action. Books that build understanding among all children.

Books for Children by Year Group in Educational Stage

To help schools curate collections by key stage, every year we update our recommended reading lists for every year group.

Dive into the recommended reads from EYFS to Year 11-13.

Additionally you can dive into the PSHE: Special educational needs and disability (SEND) category on LoveReading4Kids. The books in this section cover a range of PSHE topics including physical and mental disabilities, and neurodiversity. This section includes both fiction and non-fiction titles, and covers age ranges from Toddler to Older Teen.

For books to help school leaders and teachers translate inclusive intent into day-to-day practice, read our feature Supporting Every Child to Become a Reader: Inclusive Approaches for SEND Classrooms