Social Issues

Sharp Increase in Disability Benefits for Children in England and Wales

The Resolution Foundation reports a significant rise in disability benefits claims among children in England and Wales, driven by conditions like autism and ADHD. The number of children receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) has more than doubled in the past decade, with 8% of 15-year-olds now claiming DLA.

The report highlights a concerning drop-off in support as children transition to adulthood, with 25% not continuing to receive Personal Independence Payment (Pip). Experts urge the government to address this gap, emphasizing the critical need for continuous support to prevent young disabled individuals from losing essential financial aid.

SEND Education

Regular Assessments Needed to Identify SEND Early, Experts Urge

A report by the Centre for Young Lives and Child of the North highlights the urgent need for better assessment tools and training to address the crisis in special education needs and disabilities (SEND) services. The current system struggles with rising demand, identifying around 40% of children as having SEND between ages five and 16. The report calls for more frequent assessments of non-academic abilities beyond the early years to identify issues sooner.

Recommendations include mandatory professional development courses on SEND for educators and improved online resources. The report also stresses the importance of better collaboration between health, education, and social care services to enhance support and information sharing. The authors argue that a new government offers a chance to prioritize and creatively address these systemic issues.

Community Initiatives

Communication Boards Enhance Inclusivity at Queens Park in Loughborough

Two communication boards have been installed in Queens Park, Loughborough, to aid children with learning difficulties. These boards, created by Leicestershire SEND, feature letters, words, numbers, and symbols specific to the park, enhancing communication for autistic, neurodivergent, and learning-disabled children.

Councillor Anne Gray emphasized the boards' role in making the play area more inclusive, expressing gratitude to Leicestershire SEND Hub for their design. The boards have been well-received, providing both fun and educational benefits for children. The Leicestershire SEND Hub collaborates with various entities to support SEND families and improve policies for disabled children.

SEND Budget

Devon Council Reviews Special Educational Needs Spending for Efficiency

Devon County Council is reviewing its spending on special educational needs (SEND) to enhance efficiency. The current spot purchase method, used for independent special school placements and alternative education provision, is deemed time-consuming and less effective with rising numbers of children requiring support. The council aims to establish a coordinated process with an approved list of providers, improving performance monitoring and outcomes.

The council's new approach could save between £200,000 to £600,000 through block contracts. This change is crucial as the council faces increased scrutiny from the Department for Education following a £95 million bailout. The council's chief executive, Donna Manson, emphasized the need for better management of post-COVID demand and the benefits of the Safety Valve scheme's scrutiny.

Education Issues

Norfolk Council's High SEND Tribunal Costs Criticized by Campaigner

Carrie Grant, a broadcaster and autism campaigner, criticized Norfolk County Council for spending £890,000 on defending SEND tribunal cases. She highlighted the systemic issues, noting that 98% of these tribunals are won by parents. Grant emphasized the broader challenges faced by families, including lack of trained staff and specialist school places.

Victoria Trattles, a parent from Norwich, shared her distressing experience of securing special educational provision for her daughter, Maria, who has autism and ADHD. The council defended its stance, stating that most children achieve better outcomes in local schools and that they are working to support inclusion. However, the process remains fraught with difficulties for many parents.