Impact of Austerity Measures

The Fight for Special Educational Needs Rights Amid Austerity

The current austerity measures in England are severely impacting children with special educational needs (SEND). Despite legal entitlements, many families struggle to secure necessary support, leading to increased costs and systemic failures. Local authorities face mounting deficits, projected to reach £5 billion by 2026, exacerbating the crisis.

Solutions require comprehensive reforms, including better teacher training, increased support staff, and the restoration of early intervention programs like Sure Start. The government must recognise the evolving understanding of child development and allocate additional funding to ensure sustainable improvements. Immediate action is crucial to prevent further deterioration of the SEND system.

Leadership Changes

Jill Colbert Appointed as Nottingham's Children's Services Chief

Jill Colbert, who significantly improved Sunderland's children's services rating to 'outstanding,' will become the corporate director for children and education services at Nottingham City Council. She joins Nottingham at the end of September, tasked with turning around its children's services, which were rated inadequate two years ago. Colbert's leadership in Sunderland, recognised with an OBE in 2022, saw substantial improvements, including a reduction in the number of children in care.

Colbert expressed her commitment to driving positive change in Nottingham, leveraging her experience and determination. Sunderland City Council has begun recruiting her replacement, acknowledging her transformative impact on their services. Michael Butler, cabinet member for children's services in Sunderland, praised Colbert's leadership and the unwavering commitment of her colleagues in Together for Children.

SEND System Reform

Norfolk Council Urges Immediate Reform of SEND System

Norfolk County Council has called for urgent reform of the SEND system, citing a significant increase in demand and budget overspending. The council's Dedicated Schools Grant is forecasted to have a cumulative deficit of £115 million by March 2025. Despite investing £120 million to create 2,000 more specialist school places, schools are struggling to cope.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the system's need for long-term renewal, promising to restore parents' trust. Labour's Mike Smith-Clare criticised the council for delayed action, highlighting the dire situation for families. The government aims to ensure support in mainstream and special schools, but change will be gradual.

Local Government

Derbyshire Council Criticised for Special Educational Needs Failures

Derbyshire County Council faces scrutiny for failing to support children with special educational needs, leading to numerous complaints and compensation payouts. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has upheld complaints from seven families, resulting in over £14,000 in compensation, with one family receiving £6,050.

The council has admitted to service shortcomings, paying nearly £350,000 in compensation for 362 complaints between November 2023 and June 2024. Despite implementing an improvement plan in March, issues persist, with the council acknowledging ongoing challenges and increased demand for Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). The council's efforts to improve timeliness and communication are showing progress, but further work is needed.

SEND Expansion

North Yorkshire Council Plans to Expand Harrogate SEND School Places

North Yorkshire Council plans to expand Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) places at Springwater School in Harrogate. The proposal includes increasing capacity by 45 students, bringing the total to 157 by September next year. This expansion will be discussed at a council meeting on September 3.

The project involves significant investment to redevelop two council-owned buildings, adding classrooms, changing facilities, outdoor spaces, a kitchen, and a sensory room. This initiative aims to address the rising number of children with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), which have surged by 95% since 2018. The consultation for this proposal will begin on September 6 and last for five weeks.

SEND Centre Closure

Barnstaple School to Close Special Educational Needs Centre in 2025

Pathfield School in Barnstaple will close its Pathways Discovery Centre in September 2025, transferring 23 students with social, emotional, and mental health needs to the main school site. Parents are concerned this move will negatively impact their children's education and wellbeing, as the current facility is tailored to their specific needs.

The school cites financial unsustainability as the reason for the closure and will refocus on students with severe learning difficulties (SLD) and profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD). Despite a new SEMH unit opening in Oakhampton, parents argue it is too far for many students, exacerbating existing anxieties and social challenges.