Funding & Childcare

Councils Struggle with Childcare Expansion: Staffing and Capacity Issues

A survey reveals 89% of councils lack confidence in meeting the government's childcare expansion goals.

Major concerns include staff recruitment and retention, with 75% of councils citing it as a primary issue.

The upcoming election highlights the need for urgent reforms to support the early years sector.

Industry & Education

Bridging the Gap: Academia and Industry Collaborate for Employability

Veronica Omeni discusses the importance of aligning academic curricula with industry needs to enhance student employability.

Initiatives like industry secondments for academics and collaborative research projects are highlighted.

These efforts aim to ensure that education remains relevant and responsive to the dynamic job market.

Enhancing Child Wellbeing

Charities Demand Action: Prioritising Child Wellbeing

Children's charities urge the next government to prioritise mental health, early years support, education, youth work, social care, and youth justice.

Key recommendations include increased funding, policy reforms, and enhanced support services.

The goal is to address multifaceted challenges facing young people.

Advocacy & Awareness

Council Apologises: EHCP Delays Due to Psychologist Shortage

Leeds City Council apologises for delays in EHCP assessments caused by a shortage of educational psychologists.

The council has implemented an action plan to address the issue, including hiring locum psychologists and using virtual assessments.

Payments will be made to affected families for the delays.

SEND Strategy Critiqued

DfE's SEND Plan: Insufficient Funding and Systemic Issues

The Department for Education's plan to improve SEND support is criticised for lacking sufficient funding and failing to address systemic issues.

The pilot scheme involves only 32 local authorities, raising concerns about its limited scope and effectiveness.

Experts call for a comprehensive rethink and increased investment to tackle the crisis in SEND provision.

SEND Service Revival

Hertfordshire SEND Services: On the Right Track After Inspection

Hertfordshire's special education services are improving after a critical inspection.

Dame Christine Lenehan oversees a priority action plan addressing systemic issues.

Progress includes better EHCP processes and specialist education places, though challenges remain.

Funding & Priorities

SEND Funding Crisis: Schools Struggle Amid Budget Cuts

SEND funding must be a top priority for future governments to address severe budget cuts.

Schools face significant financial challenges, with special schools hit hardest.

Current schemes focus on cost-cutting, risking inadequate support for SEND students.