Live Event

⏳ Solace Summit 2024 is today!

The Solace Summit 2024 kicks off today(17th - 18th Oct), focusing on "Enabling the Public Sector to Deliver for Communities in Challenging Times." This event brings together the most influential voices in local government and public services to address the urgent and evolving needs of our communities. 

As part of this crucial conversation, Agilisys is proud to present a panel discussion on how AI is shaping the future of SEND services and the EHCP process. 

🗓️ When: October 17th, 16:00 – 16:50 BST 
👉 Where: 1864 Room, Solace Summit, Manchester  

Join industry experts and discover how Generative AI is helping SEND case workers: 

• Save valuable time 

• Enhance EHCP quality and consistency 

• Clear backlogs efficiently 

• Achieve better outcomes for children and families. 

Looking to discuss AI-driven solutions for public services? Connect with Darius Toomer at the event or reach out directly.

See you at the Solace Summit 2024! 

Education News

UK's first bespoke SEND training and recreation centre The Hive opens

The Hive, the UK's first bespoke centre for social, training, and recreational activities for the SEND community, has opened in Ramsgate. Supported by Foreland Fields Charity and Kent County Council, it offers facilities like a football pitch, horticulture area, and arts space. The centre, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and other donors, aims to provide inclusive opportunities for learning and development.

The Hive serves as a hub for organisations requiring accessible facilities, including Thanet Galaxy football club. It features educational and workshop areas for sensory play, music, and drama, alongside a community kitchen and cafe. The project, led by Emily Hollis MBE and Diarmuid Molloy, seeks volunteers and donations to sustain its mission of enhancing life for those with special needs.

Education Funding

Councils Divert School Funds to Address SEND Budget Deficits

Cash-strapped councils, including Kent and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), have been permitted by the Department for Education to bypass minimum per-pupil funding levels to address significant SEND deficits. This decision allows funds to be redirected from core school budgets to high-needs budgets, setting a concerning precedent. Kent transferred £15.2 million, while BCP moved £1.3 million, affecting minimum funding levels for the first time.

The move has sparked criticism from educational leaders, who argue it undermines students' life chances, particularly in grammar schools that rely on minimum funding. Dr Dorian Lewis and David Sims expressed concerns over budget cuts impacting essential resources. Despite the need for SEND funding, Keziah Featherstone emphasised the critical importance of maintaining minimum funding per pupil, warning against the practice of "robbing Peter to pay Paul."

LinkedIn Broadcast

AI is Shaking Up the Public Sector

Public services are under growing pressure to modernise and improve outcomes, with only 17% of digital transformation efforts in the UK public sector deemed fully successful.

With over two decades of experience, Andrew Mindenhall has been instrumental in leading Agilisys toward innovation in public service delivery. His focus on customer success and advanced solutions has positioned Agilisys as a trusted partner for organisations striving to optimise operations and implement next-gen AI tools.

Andrew will be speaking at The Great Public Sector Makeover: AI's Answer to Systemic Challenges, where he will share how his team is shaking up the public sector through AI-driven strategies and innovative solutions.

Join Andrew and explore how AI can address deep-rooted challenges in public service delivery.

🗓️ Date: 25th November 2024 (Monday)

⏰ Time: 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM BST

Register now!

Local Reform

Support Urged for SEND Reforms in Hertfordshire

Local leaders in Hertfordshire are urging MPs to support reforms for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services. The letter, signed by key figures, calls for:

• Increased funding for SEND across local government and the NHS, revising the High Needs Block funding formula, and establishing a national special school strategy.

• Revised SEND policies to legally define additional needs, focus on inclusion, and improve national data recording for accountability.

• Greater inclusion in mainstream schools with funding and incentives, alongside workforce training for inclusive education.

• Strengthened recruitment and retention of professionals like Educational Psychologists and Paediatricians.

The letter highlights progress by the Hertfordshire Local Area Partnership in improving SEND services following the 2023 inspection and the 2024 Priority Action and Improvement Plan.

Education News

Cheshire East HQ to Transform into SEND School for Children

Cheshire East Council's headquarters in Sandbach is set to be transformed into a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school. This decision follows the council's vote to close the Westfields base last November. The conversion will be funded by the Department for Education, addressing the rising demand for SEND support in the borough.

The council faces significant financial pressures, with a Dedicated Schools Grant deficit of £78.6 million, projected to increase by £43 million. This has led to increased borrowing costs. Councillor Carol Bulman emphasised the importance of providing appropriate education for all children, ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive. The council is relocating its main offices to Crewe and Macclesfield, marking a strategic shift in its operations.

Finance News

Hertfordshire Council Faces Severe SEND Funding Crisis

Hertfordshire County Council faces a significant financial challenge with a £23m deficit in high needs funding for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The council leader, Richard Roberts, has urged local MPs to support a plea for additional funding in the Autumn Statement to prevent further budget cuts. The demand for SEND support has surged by 223% since 2015, yet funding remains based on an outdated formula.

The council's SEND provision received the lowest rating from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission, highlighting systemic failings. Despite efforts to improve, including a new SEND academy, the financial strain persists. Roberts emphasises the need for timely government support and flexibility in council tax increases to manage the unsustainable debt, which could reach a cumulative £56m by 2026.