Education Policy

Pause in SEND Inspections Raises Accountability Concerns

Ofsted's pause on monitoring inspections for areas failing special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) inspections has raised concerns about an accountability gap. Anne Longfield, chair of the Centre for Young Lives, emphasised the importance of continuous monitoring for transparency and information for children and parents.

Matt Keer from Special Needs Jungle highlighted the timing as critical, given the current crisis in the SEND system. Despite appeals by parents, systemic issues persist, necessitating robust inspections. The Local Government Association and Association of Directors for Children's Services criticised the inspections, calling for a broader pause until wider SEND reforms are implemented.

Ofsted plans to enhance area SEND inspections and will resume monitoring once the review is complete, aiming to address local issues effectively.

Community News

SEND Hub Approved for York's Clifton Family Hub

Plans to establish a dedicated hub for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in York have been approved by the City of York Council's Executive. This new hub, located at Clifton Family Hub, aims to consolidate services from education, health, and social care, thereby reducing waiting times and unnecessary assessments.

Supported by York's Parent Carer Forum, the initiative will be developed further in collaboration with partners and families to ensure it meets local needs. Councillor Bob Webb emphasised the importance of making support accessible and navigable for families, building on the existing Raise York Family Hubs model.

Education & Learning

Hampshire Expands SEND School Places to Meet Growing Demand

Hampshire County Council is expanding specialist school places for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Fareham, the New Forest, and Gosport. Heathfield Special School will accommodate 10 additional pupils this term, with plans for 10 more by September 2025. Pennington Church of England Junior School will offer three new places for children with Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and Haven Nursery School will increase its part-time SEND places by eight.

Councillor Steve Forster highlighted the importance of local specialist school places, noting the significant cost savings compared to independent special schools. The new places will cost £482,464 annually, versus £1.96 million for equivalent independent placements. The County Council is also supporting mainstream schools in integrating pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) through effective teaching techniques.

Education Policy

Council SEND Spending Increases by 70% Since 2018/19

Local authority spending on children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has surged by 70%, rising from £6.9bn to £12bn since 2018/19. This significant increase highlights the growing financial strain on councils. Additionally, the number of primary school children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) has doubled to one in 100, according to Department for Education data analysed by the Telegraph.

Cllr Kate Foale of the County Councils Network (CCN) has described the current system as broken, failing families, pupils, and councils alike. This situation underscores the urgent need for systemic reform to ensure sustainable and effective support for children with SEND.

Education

£6m Music Pilot Launched for Disadvantaged and SEND Children

A £1.5 million-a-year government trial aims to help disadvantaged children and those with SEND learn music. The Department for Education has allocated £2 million, with Young Sounds UK contributing £3.85 million. The scheme, part of the 2022 national plan for music education, will support nearly 1,000 youngsters over four years.

Young Sounds Connect, the programme leading the initiative, will expand its existing efforts, involving 480 children across 10 music hubs, with 490 more joining from two additional hubs. Each hub will have a music education expert to coordinate local efforts. Schools minister Catherine McKinnell emphasised the pilot's role in widening access to the arts, addressing barriers to opportunity.

Education

New Partnership Expands Education Options for SEND Students in Worcestershire

A new partnership between the Heart of Worcestershire College and National Star College, funded by Worcestershire County Council, will provide local post-16 learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) with more educational choices. This initiative aims to reduce the need for long travel times to access specialised education and therapy.

The collaboration will transform the St Wulstans Building in Worcester into a dedicated teaching and therapeutic space, including classrooms, an accessible kitchen, therapy areas, and independent living flats. This facility will be officially opened in September 2024, with plans to showcase it at an open day on 9 October. The initiative is expected to significantly benefit young adults with SEND in Worcestershire.