EHCP Data Revelations

8 Key Insights from New SEND and EHCP Data for Schools

New data from the Department for Education reveals significant trends in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and education, health, and care plans (EHCP). The number of pupils with SEND has risen to over 1.6 million, with notable increases in primary schools. Autistic spectrum disorder remains the most common need for EHCP pupils. Boys are more likely to have EHCPs, and pupils with SEND are more likely to receive free school meals. The data also shows a rise in schools with dedicated SEND units and resourced provisions.

Childcare & Family Support

New Dad Urges Politicians to Address Childcare Costs

Luke Platts, a new father, is calling on politicians to make childcare more affordable as nursery fees surpass his mortgage costs. Despite receiving 15 hours of free childcare, Platts finds the expenses unsustainable, forcing him to juggle full-time work and childcare. His wife, Chloe, plans to return to work part-time, relying on grandparents for additional support. Platts criticises current policies and urges for more comprehensive solutions ahead of the general election. Political parties have proposed various plans, but Platts remains unimpressed with their efforts to support families effectively.

Community Engagement

Families and Children's Voices Drive Child-Friendly Initiatives in Warwickshire

Warwickshire County Council's Voice, Influence and Change Programme continues to thrive, emphasising the importance of families and children's voices in creating a child-friendly county. The programme, which has expanded over the past 18 months to include various community groups, allows young people to participate in recruitment, strategic boards, and pilot schemes. This engagement ensures their needs and perspectives are central to decision-making. Cllr Kam Kaur highlights the programme's role in empowering young people and families, reinforcing the council's commitment to a child-friendly agenda.

Boost Child Development

Multi-Agency Data Sharing Crucial for Child Development, Say Early Years Leaders

Early years leaders are urging the next government to create a national dataset integrating education, health, and social care information for all children. The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) believes this will enable a holistic approach to child development and better support for children with additional needs. Their manifesto, "Make the First Five Years Count," also calls for a national commission on early education, a review of early years funding, and improved workforce strategies. The NDNA emphasises the importance of understanding and supporting the early education sector's essential work.

Child Welfare 

Neath Port Talbot Council's Success in Reducing Children in Care

Neath Port Talbot council in south Wales has significantly reduced the number of children in care, despite a 53% increase in contacts. This contrasts with the UK's overall rise in children in care. Key strategies include early intervention, experienced staff, and addressing issues like volatile relationships and addiction. Initiatives like the Parenting Advocacy Network and the Hope project have also contributed to positive outcomes. Despite economic challenges, the council remains committed to supporting families and reducing care placements, cutting costs from £13.1 million in 2012-13 to £9.1 million in 2023-24.

Abolish Benefit Cap 

DWP Update: Calls to Abolish Universal Credit Benefit Cap Intensify

Activists are urging the Conservative and Labour parties to abolish the "two-child" benefit cap on Universal Credit without delay. The policy restricts benefits to the first two children in a household, potentially pushing 670,000 children into poverty, according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies. Campaigners, including the End Child Poverty coalition, argue that the cap exacerbates child poverty and strips children of their potential. Both the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have pledged to remove the cap, while Labour has yet to commit to ending it.