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"This report is a stark reminder of the realities facing children across the country: widening health inequalities, stalling vaccination rates and rising mental ill-health among them.

“These findings show that ambition and commitment to reducing inequality must be accompanied by proper and consistent investment if we are to close the disadvantage gap.

“Ensuring children get the best care and support is a priority for councils. While no council wants to place a child in an unregistered setting, in many cases they have no choice due to the lack of available provision that meets children’s needs.

“Councils want to ensure that every child with SEND gets the support they need to receive the fulfilling education they deserve.

“The SEND reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure children and young people with SEND get the support they need and in a mainstream setting where appropriate.

“Supporting children and young people and helping them to lead happy and fulfilling lives is one of the most important jobs councils do.

Eight in 10 councils believe government SEND reforms would lead to better outcomes for children and young people but less than half (43 per cent) felt they would lead to a more financially sustainable system, according to a new independent analysis published today.

“It’s vitally important we improve outcomes for the most disadvantaged children as they will benefit most from early education and childcare. This will be crucial to achieving the Government’s good level of development target.

"Many councils are already introducing smoke and vape-free spaces, particularly play spaces, sports sidelines and school gates. National consistency across settings would help protect children, health and care patients, and non-users from harmful exposure."

“For the SEND reforms to succeed, it is vital that children with SEND who require support receive this in a mainstream setting where appropriate."