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An estimated 1.7 million school-aged children have special educational needs and disabilities in England.

"We've seen a big rise in special educational needs," she said.

Ms Bateman insists the approach does not disadvantage pupils who do not have special educational needs.

The report also found that the availability of nursery and childminder places varies between council areas, with the lowest provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities and families living in rural areas.

"There's no way they can rehome all of the children in this school, 40 or more of them with special educational needs, for less than a million pounds in the next three years," he said.