MORE than 40 children who were assessed for special educational needs last year in Devon were not given a formal support plan, according to government figures.

This formal support is called an education, health and care (EHC) plan, which has replaced the special educational needs (SEN) statement.

The plans are legal documents that describe the additional support and funding for a child or young person with special educational needs and may include a personal budget.

Last year Devon assessed 425 children and young people and new plans put in place for 384 of them.

The most common need for children and young people with EHC plans is support for autistic spectrum disorder.

Tim Nicholls, policy manager for the National Autistic Society said: "The process can be very difficult and discouraging. For many parents, it feels like they are being disbelieved about their child, and they often have to be very persistent to get the support their child needs."

The latest figures from the Department for Education reveal that in January this year there were 4,093 SEN statements or EHC plans in place in Devon. This is up from January 2017 when there were 3,718.

There has been a steady increase in plans and support statements since 2010 when 3,418 young people had an SEN statement.

EHC plans are available to young people under 25. The largest group are aged 11 to 15. Special educational needs are more prevalent in boys than in girls.

Across England there were nearly 320,000 young people with plans or the SEN statements in January of this year.

The Minister for Children and Families, Nadhim Zahawi, said: "We want every child to have the support they need to unlock their potential, no matter what challenges they face."