Live Event

The Great Public Sector Makeover: AI’s Answer to Systemic Challenges

The UK’s public sector is under increasing pressure to modernise and deliver better societal outcomes.

In this exclusive session, an expert panel hosted in partnership with Agilisys, will explore how AI can address deep-rooted challenges and redefine the future of public service delivery. Agilisys, a leader in digital transformation for the UK public sector, brings together decades of experience in driving technological innovation to help organisations adapt and thrive.

The session will feature insights from:

• Andrew Mindenhall, CEO of Agilisys

• Mark Thompson, Professor in Digital Economy at the University of Exeter

• Darius Toomer, Head of Agilisys Transform

• Kenneth Corrêa, Author of Cognitive Organisations

Save the date:
🗓️ Date: 25th November 2024 (Monday)
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM BST
👉 Register here

Construction News

Inclusive Education Requires Systemic Change for SEND Success

The current education system faces a crisis, particularly in addressing special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The focus should shift from merely improving exam outcomes to fostering inclusion and equity. A new Department for Education task force could ensure marginalised pupils are prioritised in policy development.

Systemic change is essential, moving away from isolated interventions to a holistic approach that recognises intersectionality. Labels like SEND should not stigmatise but rather guide appropriate support. Inclusion must be clearly defined and practised, not just discussed. The government must unite all educational sectors to create a fairer, more equitable system.

Education Policy Issues

Special Needs Funding Crisis in English Schools Worsens Amid Budget Cuts

Funding Challenges: Increasing financial pressures are causing English councils to refuse additional funding for special educational needs (SEN) unless legal documents, such as an Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP), are provided. This has led to a crisis, with 1.2 million children potentially missing out on necessary support. The County Councils Network highlights the growing financial burden, projecting a rise in SEND spending to £12bn by 2026.

Systemic Issues: The current system is under severe strain, with a 60% increase in EHCPs since 2015, outpacing a 40% rise in funding. This creates inequalities, as parents often bear the cost of assessments. Experts urge governmental action to ensure adequate funding for all children, regardless of EHCP status, to prevent further decline in SEN pupil attainment.

Education Policy Analysis

Tory Education Policies Face Criticism Amid Leadership Uncertainty

The Conservative Party faces criticism over its education policies, particularly regarding SEND support. Damian Hinds urges the party not to let Labour undermine their record, despite internal admissions of shortcomings in the SEND system. Leadership contenders offer vague plans, with some advocating for new grammar schools.

The debate intensifies over Labour's proposal to impose VAT on private school fees, with concerns about potential disruption. Hinds highlights capacity issues in state schools, particularly in areas with high private school attendance. Unions warn that the policy could lead to teacher attrition.

Hinds emphasises the need to defend the party's educational achievements from 2010 to 2024, despite criticism. He acknowledges the need for accountability and support for sensible government actions, while also opposing detrimental policies.

Education Policy Analysis

Gene testing could speed up SEND support

Government-commissioned research suggests DNA testing could pre-diagnose SEND conditions, streamlining support for at-risk children. This could lead to earlier development of education, health, and care plans, improving outcomes and support for families. However, it is not a formal diagnosis and could risk stigmatisation.

Ipsos MORI highlights the potential for genomic screening to assess autism risk from birth, allowing early intervention. Despite the promise, current consumer genomics have limited educational utility. Concerns include the lack of regulation and the risk of stigmatising pupils. The Department for Education is urged to monitor scientific developments and support relevant studies.

Prior attainment and teacher observation are deemed more accurate than polygenic scoring for predicting educational performance. Larger sample sizes are needed for genomic technologies to be reliable.