SEND Crisis

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Crisis Revealed

A new report reveals a crisis in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the UK, highlighting long waits for assessments and insufficient support. Over 1.5 million pupils in England have SEND, yet the system struggles to keep pace with their needs. The report, authored by the Child of the North research group and the Centre for Young Lives, proposes an evidence-based plan to improve identification and support for SEND.

Key findings include significant regional disparities in the timeliness of Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans, with only 49% produced within the 20-week statutory limit in 2022. The report calls for early intervention, better training for professionals, and improved system connections to address these issues. The urgency for reform is underscored by the impact on families and the long-term costs of inaction.

SEND Provision Expansion

York to Expand SEND Provision After Surge in Applications

York is expanding its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision due to a surge in applications. A Freedom of Information Request revealed that 548 pupils applied for SEND places, with 59 initially left without specialist provision. The City of York Council has since ensured all children will have places for the next academic year.

Martin Kelly, corporate director of children and education at City of York Council, stated that additional spaces have been made available through capital projects at Applefields School and Hob Moor Oaks. The council is also working with mainstream schools to better equip them for children with additional needs. This local trend mirrors a national issue, with the National Education Union calling for increased government funding to address the critical lack of SEND provision.

SEND Budget

SEND budget: North Somerset Council Faces 'Effective Bankruptcy'

North Somerset Council has warned of "effective bankruptcy" due to a £13.3m overspend on its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) budget. The council's lead member for Children's Services, Catherine Gibbons, expressed "grave concerns" about the financial sustainability of the SEND system, citing escalating costs and increasing demands.

The council's "safety valve agreement" with the government to manage the deficit has failed, with overspend rising from £8.7m in 2023. The government acknowledges a "broken system" but has not promised additional funding. Bristol City Council faces similar challenges, expecting a £10m overspend this financial year.

Boosted SEND Provision

SEND Provisions Boosted Across Wokingham Borough for September 

Wokingham Borough Council has announced an expansion of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provisions across three schools for the upcoming academic year. Radstock and Loddon Primary Schools will accommodate children with autism and those needing speech, language, and communication support, respectively. Addington Early Years Centre will double its intake, welcoming 16 new children aged three to eight.

The expansion includes new classrooms, a soft playroom, and a larger playground at Addington, with further developments planned for 2025. Cllr Prue Bray highlighted the importance of these provisions, especially for children affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The initiative aims to address the long-standing lack of local SEND resources, providing a tailored learning environment for young children.

AI in Early Childhood Education

Experts Recommend Regularly Assessing Pupils' Non-Academic Abilities to Identify SEND Sooner

The report by the Centre for Young Lives and Child of the North highlights the urgent need for better assessment tools and training to address the "crisis" in SEND services. It reveals that around 40% of children are identified with SEND between ages five and 16, stressing the system's inability to cope with rising demand.

Key recommendations include frequent assessments of non-academic abilities beyond early years, mandatory professional development courses on SEND, and improved online resources. The report also calls for enhanced collaboration between health, education, and social care services to ensure timely and adequate support. The authors emphasise that a new government offers a chance to prioritise and creatively address these issues.