Dr Helen Care says we have to start looking at the wider picture and ask what schools are for, Helen Kinsey says it is a false economy not to be supporting the most vulnerable. Plus a letter from Andrew Seber

We will not solve our special educational needs crisis until we solve our education system crisis more widely (Children’s development ‘put back by years’ due to failure of special educational needs system, 23 November). Unrealistic expectations, policy driven by behavioural management rather than child‑development principles, and an overemphasis on discipline above engagement will result in an ever-increasing number of children not coping.

As a clinical psychologist, I see young people every day who are struggling to meet the demands of school. My own child is one of the 1.2 million mentioned in your report who won’t meet a threshold for an education, health and care plan.