Education Policy

Government Urged to Recruit More Teachers with SEND

The government is exploring ways to make the teaching workforce more inclusive, particularly for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), according to schools minister Catherine McKinnell. Speaking at the Labour Party's annual conference, McKinnell emphasised the importance of an inclusive education system and workforce, noting that this is a key focus of her ministerial brief.

McKinnell highlighted Labour's pledge to recruit 6,500 new teachers and stressed the need to break down barriers to teaching. Panel member Matthew Shanks echoed her sentiments but pointed out that England's assessment system may hinder some children from becoming teachers. He suggested peer-to-peer support as a potential solution. The panel also discussed the need for urgent reforms in the GCSE curriculum, as recommended by OCR's recent report.

Education Policy

SEND and Inclusion Must Be Led by Senior Trust Leaders, Report Urges

SEND and inclusion must be led by senior leadership within multi-academy trusts (MATs), according to the Queen Street Group's (QSG) 2023-24 report. The report emphasises that these areas should not be delegated down, as they are crucial to strategic priorities. Trusts are increasingly developing in-house expertise due to rising needs and decreasing local support.

The report also highlights potential future crises, such as asbestos in school buildings, and strategies to mitigate the impact of falling student numbers. Concerns were raised about the consistency of MAT summary inspections by Ofsted, and the quality of governance within the school system was deemed insufficient to meet current demands.

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.

Casestudy

Enhancing Inclusion and SEND Support in Coastal Trust Schools

A recent survey by the Confederation of School Trusts revealed that 73% of members prioritise inclusion and SEND, up from 56% last year. Our coastal trust has seen a rise in pupils with SEND from under 20% to over 25%, prompting significant changes. We increased specialist provision places from 80 to 153, created bespoke curriculum models, and invested in careers education for SEND pupils.

We appointed a director of inclusion, hired specialist teachers, and developed support staff expertise. Investments include £300,000 in new spaces like therapy and sensory rooms, and a part-time provision for pupils with profound mental health needs. We also launched a trust-wide app for mental wellbeing and created separate websites for parents detailing SEND support plans.

Government policy

Labour Conference Highlights: SEND Reforms and Breakfast Clubs

The Labour conference in Liverpool highlighted key educational reforms. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £7 million pilot for free breakfast clubs in 750 primary schools, aiming for a national rollout to combat child poverty and boost the economy. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson discussed the need for comprehensive SEND reforms, emphasising early identification and support.

Schools Minister Catherine McKinnell stressed the importance of inclusivity in the teaching workforce, while Phillipson addressed the government's pledge to recruit 6,500 new specialist teachers to fill current vacancies. Additionally, Phillipson faced scrutiny over donations, including £14,000 from Labour peer Lord Alli and Taylor Swift concert tickets worth £552.

Scotland

Limited Reforms Insufficient for Scottish Education System Overhaul

The limited reforms proposed by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth are welcomed but fall short of the comprehensive changes recommended by the Hayward review. Teachers' lack of trust and concerns about support during the change process are noted. The bill's strategic vision is unclear, risking superficial changes rather than meaningful reform.

Positive steps include replacing the Scottish Qualifications Authority and appointing a seasoned headteacher to guide Qualifications Scotland. However, concerns remain about the lack of detail on Education Scotland's future and the Centre for Teaching Excellence's role. The failure to address parity between vocational and academic subjects perpetuates an outdated system.

Removing National 5 exams could ease burdens on students and teachers, but the current proposals are seen as conservative and insufficient. The need for a focused investment in the future of young people and the country's economic prosperity is emphasised.

Education

New Exam Rules Allow SEND Pupils to Listen to Music or White Noise

New rules now allow some SEND pupils to listen to white noise or music during exams, addressing a post-Covid rise in requests. This applies to GCSEs, A-levels, BTECs, and T-levels, and aims to support those with social, emotional, and mental health needs or sensory impairments. Schools must ensure devices are offline and playlists are vetted.

Schools can also use mental health support service referral letters for extra support applications, easing the burden of long waiting lists. However, the increase in special arrangements poses logistical and financial challenges, including the recruitment and training of invigilators. The number of pupils with SEMH needs has surged by 46% since 2018-19.