Education Sector Analysis

Tough Choices Behind Academy Grant Cut and Other Findings from Education Questions

The government has decided to scrap the academy conversion grant due to financial constraints, with a £22 billion gap in public finances. Schools will be compensated at a national level for increased national insurance contributions, but this may not cover all individual needs. The focus remains on improving educational standards.

School closures in London, partly due to falling pupil numbers, prompt discussions on repurposing properties for SEND provision. The government plans to use additional funding directly for SEND services, despite previous Treasury suggestions to reduce deficits. The school rebuilding programme continues with £1.4 billion allocated for next year, though specific projects are yet to be confirmed.

Digital Transformation

£1 Billion Boost for SEND in 2024 Budget

With £1 billion in new SEND funding, councils now have a unique opportunity to strengthen service delivery. Solutions like EHCP Plus help to tackle EHCP backlogs and streamline administration, allowing caseworkers to focus on meaningful support for children and families.

Explore SEND solutions.

Live Event

Three Weeks to Go! Secure Your Spot in the Future of Public Services

In just three weeks, Agilisys’ The Great Public Sector Makeover: AI’s Answer to Systemic Challenges live broadcast will bring together public sector leaders and digital transformation experts to tackle urgent issues facing local authorities, healthcare providers, and digital leaders. This virtual event is tailored for professionals seeking real-world AI solutions to the pressing challenges and inefficiencies within public services.

🗓️ Date: 25th November 2024 (Monday)

⏰ Time: 3:00 PM GMT

Their event speakers will address the critical need for reform in the public sector, with discussions including.

• Mark Thompson: Highlighting the “everything is broken” narrative to set the stage with a candid overview of the current state of public services.

• Andrew Mindenhall & Darius Toomer: Sharing insights into how Agilisys is meeting these challenges head-on, with a focus on AI’s role as part of the solution.

• Kenneth Corrêa: Presenting global use cases of Generative AI, AI agents, and applications across sectors, illustrating AI’s practical impact on transforming services.

The countdown is on - don’t miss this chance to be part of a critical conversation on the future of public services.

Register now to secure your place.

Education Policy

Improving Whole-School Inclusion

The government prioritises inclusion in mainstream schools, necessitating a systemic approach to improve SEND support. This requires new resources and removing barriers to inclusive leadership, ensuring SEND is integral to school development. Without inclusive principles, SEND policy risks disconnection from broader school goals.

The Marvell College in Hull exemplifies successful inclusion through creative planning and a SEND champions programme. This initiative involves teachers and leaders supporting specific SEND students, fostering collaboration with parents. The result is improved outcomes for SEND pupils, reduced exclusions, and enhanced teacher confidence. Inclusion is an ongoing process, not a one-time goal, and should be embedded in school planning cycles. The Orkney Islands Council's definition of inclusion highlights the cyclical nature of change, urging schools to focus on continuous improvement.

Educational Policy

Increased School Funding and Challenges in Budget 2024

The Labour government's Budget 2024 outlines a £2.3 billion annual increase in core school funding, including £1 billion for SEND. This aims to support teacher recruitment and reform SEND provision for financial sustainability. However, experts warn that ongoing cost pressures may quickly absorb these funds, necessitating a long-term plan for local authority deficits.

Additional measures include tripling funding for free breakfast clubs and £15 million for school-based nurseries. The Budget also addresses infrastructure with £6.7 billion in capital funding for school buildings, though concerns remain about the adequacy of these investments. The introduction of 20% VAT on private school fees is expected to generate £1.7 billion annually by 2029-30, contributing to the overall funding strategy.

Education Policy

Somerset SEND Pupils Encouraged to Stay in Mainstream Schools

Somerset Council proposes a universal funding system to support SEND pupils in mainstream schools, aiming to reduce costs and improve inclusivity. Currently, specialist schools receive three times more funding than mainstream schools, despite similar service delivery costs. The council's plan includes phased implementation based on pupils' EHCP needs, with guidance for supporting struggling pupils.

Some parents, like Gemma Barrett, criticise the proposals, arguing that mainstream schools are unsuitable for neurodiverse children. Barrett suggests funding should focus on building more specialist schools. The council faces a £230m deficit in its dedicated schools grant by 2029/30, prompting these proposals to balance the budget. The final decision will be made by the executive committee.