Government Policy

Urgent Call for Increased Funding for Children's Services in October Budget

The recent report from children's charities highlights critical funding issues for children's services. Nigel Minns, Chair of the ADCS Health, Care and Additional Needs Policy Committee, stresses the need for government support ahead of the October Budget. He emphasises that children should not bear the brunt of budget cuts and calls for early intervention to address root causes before crises emerge.

Minns points out the unprecedented financial pressures on children's homes and the rising child poverty and mental health crises. He urges the government to provide a sustainable, multi-year funding settlement for children's services, enabling proper investment in early help. This Budget should affirm the government's commitment to children and their families.

Education Policy

Somerset MPs Urge Government to Reform SEND Education System

Somerset MPs, led by Sarah Dyke, have called for urgent government reform of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, labelling it as "broken." They highlighted issues such as inadequate funding, an adversarial system, and rising suspensions and exclusions from mainstream schools. The government acknowledged the need for reform but cautioned that there would be no quick fixes.

The Isos Partnership report revealed that all stakeholders are acting reasonably but are being failed by the system. Somerset Council's funding for children with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) is insufficient, leading to significant deficits. The government has committed additional funding and aims to work with local authorities to improve inclusivity and support for SEND children.

Education Crisis

Majority of SEND Parents Forced to Leave Jobs or Reduce Hours

A Sky News survey reveals that three out of four parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have had to give up work or reduce their hours. The primary reasons cited include insufficient local authority support, inadequate school assistance, and lack of employer flexibility. The survey, conducted with the charity Support Send Kids, highlights that women are predominantly affected.

Abigail Bates, a parent, had to leave her job due to her daughter's nursery being unable to meet her needs. The lack of special school places exacerbates the issue, with many children attending mainstream schools on reduced timetables. Experts argue that the economic impact of parents leaving work due to inadequate SEND provision is significant, calling for urgent reforms and increased investment in early years education.

Education Policy

Nearly 40% of EHCP Decisions Exceed Six-Month Deadline, Data Reveals

Nearly 40% of decisions on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) took over six months in 2023, with 6% exceeding a year. Essex reported 96.8% of decisions taking more than six months. The Department for Education (DfE) aims to improve data quality over time.

The delays have left many families in distress, with MPs highlighting severe cases, including a child attempting suicide due to prolonged support delays. The government plans to collaborate with parents, schools, councils, and experts to address these issues, focusing on the national funding formula and high-needs funding allocation.

Education Policy

The Big Listen Highlights Inclusion and SEND Concerns in Schools

Jo Fisher, Chair of the ADCS Standards, Performance and Inspection Policy Committee, emphasises the need for greater focus on inclusion in school inspections. ADCS supports the Ofsted and CQC review of the area SEND inspection framework and plans to engage fully with it. This aligns with the views of children and young people from The Big Listen, who desire more attention on their school environment and wellbeing.

Fisher highlights systemic issues such as funding, workforce, and specialist school places, which the government has acknowledged. She stresses that supporting children with additional needs is a collaborative effort involving health services, schools, and local authorities. However, currently, only local authorities are held accountable for any weaknesses, a situation that needs addressing.