We are, as vicars like to tell us, all special in our own way. But none so much as children in Scottish primary schools, 43 per cent of whom are classified as having special needs. This can entitle them to extra tuition, and when they are older, extra time in exams.

The massive expansion of Send is diverting resources from genuine special needs pupils as well as from classrooms in general

If ever we needed more evidence that special educational needs and disabilities (Send) is a runaway juggernaut that is bringing the education system to its knees, this is it. Children are routinely being made out to be disabled in some way – either because their schools want more money or because their sharp-elbowed parents want them to have some advantage.

I am no stranger to special needs education.

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