A survey shows that the crisis in special needs education appears to be worsening, with 10 in 10 school leaders finding it harder to meet students’ needs than a year ago.

Almost all (98%) of the National Association of Principals’ (NAHT) polls cover England, Wales and Northern Ireland, polls say they do not have the resources to meet the needs of all students with special educational needs and disabilities (send).

One school leader who participated in the study described the level of sending funds as “demonic”, while another said demand continued to increase, with primary school students at nurseries and receptions doubled over the past three years.

Four in 5 (82%) mainstream school leaders say they are working to support students who need agreements on their Education, Health and Care Programs (EHCPs) but no professional regulations but no available.

NAHT Secretary-General Paul Whiteman said the needs of students are becoming increasingly complex. “Currently, too many schools have kids who deserve professional support and are disappointed by lack of competence and availability of places in the professional field.

“Schools are desperately trying to do their best for these students, but without the help of the experts they need, their hands are tied together. We also know that many special schools are working hard to meet their needs for the place and are greatly oversubscribed.”

The government will release its plan to change a white paper in England that is expected to prioritize inclusion and provide better support in mainstream state schools with the aim of reducing council spending on expensive private provisions.

The Guardian analysis showed earlier this year that many British councils have accumulated debts into £100 million due to spending to dispatch independent special schools, putting Parliament on the brink of bankruptcy.

“We are not against the government’s desire for mainstream schools to be inclusive, and school leaders really take this responsibility seriously,” Whitman said. “But they need more funding, resources and experts to be able to support students appropriately and effectively.

“This does not eliminate the fact that there is always a need to provide special school venues for students with the greatest need. Both mainstream schools and professional schools must meet the needs.”

Delegates at the NAHT Annual Conference in Harrogate this weekend will vote on many motions, demanding additional funding, training and support to educate students. “There is no education priority now than solving the sending crisis,” Whitman said.

The poll drew nearly 900 responses from school leaders in mainstream and professional schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and included anonymous contributions, revealing the daily struggles schools face.

“We are in a deficit budget situation,” one said. “We are supporting children in huge demand and not getting the funds needed…this has adversely impacted the education of others in the school.”

Another said: "We are in a crisis where we can provide children with what they really offer. The morale of the employees is low and the employees are leaving the profession."

A spokesman for the Ministry of Education said the government has inherited a sending system and has invested £1.7 billion to improve the reserve.

They added: “It will take time, but as part of our change plan, we have a different look in the sending system to restore confidence in families all over the country and cry for every child so that every child can achieve and grow.”