The number of pupils with statements of special educational
needs is at its lowest level for five years.
In January this year there were 247, 590 pupils with statements
of SEN across all schools in England, compared to 250,550 last year
and 252,860 in 2000. Around 60 per cent of pupils with statements
of SEN were placed in mainstream schools – a slight decrease
from last year.
Over the same five year period there has been an increase in the
number of pupils with statements placed in Pupil Referral Units,
and a reduction in the number of pupils with statements placed in
special schools.
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SBU/b000537/sfr44-2004v2.pdf