Leading Voices 📣 

On The Ground: Insights From Solace’s 50th Anniversary Summit🌐

Head of Agilisys Transform Darius Toomer is also attending the Local Government Association conference this week - feel free to reach out to him if you are also there!

Education Policy Analysis

SEND Tribunal Costs Spiral to £13m

The Department for Education's expenditure on SEND tribunals soared to £13 million in 2023-24, nearly double the previous year, highlighting escalating costs in the special needs system. With a record number of parents appealing council refusals for EHCPs, the success rate for parents remains high, yet the financial burden on councils is significant.

Experts urge addressing the root causes, advocating for lawful SEND decisions and increased capacity in mainstream schools. The judiciary is considering publishing anonymised tribunal decisions to enhance transparency. Meanwhile, the tribunal procedure committee is consulting on increasing document-based appeals to expedite processes, as delays hinder timely support for children.

The government is committed to reform, aiming for earlier and better support for children, amidst concerns of local authorities exploiting the system to delay decisions.

Education Policy Domain

Scientific Council to Advise on Education Policy Challenges

A new Science Advisory Council, chaired by Professor Dame Athene Donald, will provide the Department for Education with the latest scientific advice. The council, comprising 12 experts, will address issues such as Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, mental health support, and education technology. Their first meeting is scheduled for 31 October.

The council aims to inform policy makers on strategic and emerging issues, ensuring access to cutting-edge scientific evidence. Professor Russell Viner, the Chief Scientific Adviser, emphasises the importance of science in breaking barriers to opportunity and delivering high education standards. The council will hold quarterly plenary meetings and additional task-specific sessions as needed, fostering links between the department and the scientific community.

LinkedIn Live Broadcast

AI in Action: Real-World Solutions for Public Sector Challenges with Kenneth Corrêa

We’re excited that Kenneth Corrêa will be joining in on the conversation at Agilisys’ The Great Public Sector Makeover: AI's Answer to Systemic Challenges live broadcast on 25th November 2024!

Kenneth’s book, Cognitive Organizations, offers a practical exploration of how AI agents are transforming modern business operations. With a focus on how organisations can embrace these technologies, the book takes readers through a journey that starts with the evolution of management principles and moves towards today’s innovations.

As a speaker at Agilisys LinkedIn Live Broacast, Kenneth will showcase practical use cases that demonstrate how AI technologies solve challenges that public sector organisations are grappling with every day. This is about tools that are available right now, actively transforming how public services are delivered today.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this conversation with Kenneth and other leaders in the public sector.

📅 25th November 2024

⏰ 3:00 PM BST

🔗 Register now!

Education Policy Analysis

SEND Inspection Highlights Systemic Challenges and Opportunities for Reform

The Area SEND Inspection in Rotherham highlighted the dissonance between inspection frameworks and real-world practices. Despite this, it provided a valuable external perspective on local efforts to improve services for children and young people. The inspection underscored the need for reforms, particularly in addressing the gap in support post-age 25.

The inspection revealed positive examples of inclusive education and the challenges faced by health services due to limited resources. It emphasised the importance of prevention and early intervention in children's services, advocating for a fair allocation of government resources. The engagement of children and young people in the inspection process was a highlight, as they candidly shared their views on the SEND system's effectiveness.

Education Policy Concerns

Suicide Risk Over EHC Confusion, Coroner Warns

A coroner has warned that misunderstandings about EHC needs assessments are delaying applications, increasing suicide risks. The inquest into Jennifer Chalkley's death highlighted systemic failures, including a delay by Howard of Effingham School due to a misinterpretation of financial rules.

Senior coroner Richard Travers noted this misunderstanding is widespread, despite the SEND code of practice requiring early identification of special needs. Surrey County Council updated its guidance, clarifying that schools need not spend £6,000 before applying for assessments. However, the misconception persists nationally, necessitating urgent action to ensure clarity.

Margaret Mulholland from the Association of School and College Leaders expressed concern over the notional SEN budget, suggesting it contributes to confusion. More investment in the SEND system is needed to prioritise children's needs over funding constraints.