Education

The Struggle for Special Educational Needs Support in Crisis

The special educational needs (Send) system is in crisis, exacerbated by austerity and underfunding. Parents struggle to secure necessary services, often leaving the workforce to support their children. The lack of adequate mental health services further compounds the issue, with long waiting lists and insufficient support from child and adolescent mental health services (Camhs).

The shortage of special school places and the inadequacy of mainstream schools to meet Send children's needs lead to significant educational gaps. Families face bureaucratic hurdles, with many unable to navigate the complex system. Without substantial government intervention and funding, a generation of Send children risks being excluded from education, impacting their future and society at large.

Education

Disabled Child's Education Rights Neglected Due to Funding Disputes

Help at Hand supports vulnerable children, highlighting cases like Sonny's, a 13-year-old with profound disabilities who missed out on education due to funding disputes. Despite being placed with specialist foster carers, Sonny's need for nursing support at school led to a prolonged dispute between local authorities over funding responsibilities.

The Children's Commissioner intervened, but delays persisted, and Sonny's health deteriorated. Eventually, an agreement was reached, but too late for Sonny to return to school. His carers continued to provide enriching activities, and an Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) package was finally approved, though implementation remains pending.

Education Policy

Ofsted Overhauls School Inspections Following Big Listen Consultation

Ofsted has announced significant changes to its inspection process following the Big Listen consultation and the death of headteacher Ruth Perry.

Key changes include:

• Replacing single-word judgements with detailed report cards by September 2025.

• Introducing a new inspection framework and criterion for inclusion.

• Announcing inspections only on Mondays to reduce stress for school leaders.

• Pausing publication of reports over safeguarding concerns to allow schools time to address issues.

Additional measures include increased focus on attendance, support for Ofsted inspectors through the Ofsted Academy, and developing an area insights service to provide better information for parents and carers. These changes aim to reduce pressure on schools and provide more nuanced assessments.

SEND News

Bolton SEND Services Praised but Face Challenges in ADHD and ASD Support

Bolton's SEND services have been praised for their timely and effective assessments, with education officers showing a strong commitment to meeting the needs of children with special educational needs. However, inspectors noted that waiting lists for ADHD and ASD assessments remain too long. The joint inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission highlighted the well-developed services and the effective collaboration among health, education, and social care professionals.

Despite the positive findings, the report identified areas needing improvement, such as reducing waiting times and increasing support for children with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. Local leaders are aware of these issues and are taking action, but the full impact of these measures is yet to be seen. The dedication of SEND providers in Bolton is evident, but ongoing efforts are required to address these challenges.

SEND Education

Council Denies SEN Child's Secondary School Placement

A Kent family is distressed after their autistic daughter, Annalise, was denied a place at a Special Educational Needs (SEN) secondary school. Despite her primary education in a specialist SEN unit, the council decided she should attend a mainstream school, which the headteacher stated could not meet her needs. The family has been appealing the decision since February, leaving Annalise without a school as the term approaches.

The council claims to work with families to find suitable alternatives if a preferred SEN school is not available. However, Annalise's mother, Kasey, expresses significant stress and concern over the lack of appropriate support, highlighting the emotional toll on both her and her daughter. The situation underscores the urgent need for effective SEN provisions.

Education Policy

Birmingham SEND Improvements at Risk Due to Council Malaise, Commissioner Warns

Birmingham's SEND services are improving, but a wider council malaise threatens progress. Commissioner John Coughlan highlights strained relationships between schools and the council, despite some positive developments. Political adversarialism and financial issues persist, hampering further improvements.

The council's IT system failures have exacerbated the situation, damaging relationships and financial management in schools. Despite these challenges, the SEND improvement board reports progress in key areas, such as education, health, and care plans. The DfE acknowledges improvements but stresses the need for continued efforts. The commissioner's contract has been extended to September 2025.