SOCIAL CARE

Care Providers Warn System is 'At Breaking Point'

The UK social care system is teetering on the brink of collapse due to surging demand and crippling costs, with care providers urging government intervention. A planned rally in London seeks to highlight the dire need for additional support, especially with impending rises in National Insurance and minimum wage likely pushing some providers out of business. Research by The Nuffield Trust suggests these measures could add an additional £2.8 billion per year to the sector's already strained budget. Despite a £600 million allocation from the government, Nadra Ahmed from the National Care Association argues that such support is insufficient under the mounting financial pressures.

Jane Jones of Applewood Support illustrates the precarious position smaller providers face, revealing her business expects costs to spike by £6,000 monthly due to National Insurance hikes. If local councils cannot increase payments, providers like hers may have no choice but to close. Meanwhile, discussions of a National Care Service are underway, with proposals led by Baroness Louise Casey, highlighting the essential need for a robust, integrated social care framework akin to the NHS.

SPECIAL EDUCATION POLICY

Stuart Anderson MP: Call to End 'Postcode Lottery' for SEND

Stuart Anderson MP has drawn critical attention to the urgent need to rectify the inequitable allocation of support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Known as a "postcode lottery," this disparity starkly impacts rural communities like South Shropshire, where access to specialised educational services is severely restricted. The issue is substantiated by findings from disability rights charity Sense, highlighting that a substantial portion of parents grapple with securing appropriate education, often necessitating extensive travel. Anderson cautions that the government's decision to impose a 20 per cent VAT on private education threatens to exacerbate pressure on the state system, diminishing already limited resources for SEND students.

In strategic communications to the Education Secretary, Anderson advocates for a more balanced funding model in the upcoming Spending Review. Though £1 billion was allocated in the Autumn Budget for SEND and Alternative Provision, the focus has largely been on addressing local authority deficits, neglecting the urgent need for resource allocation in deficit areas. This initiative underscores Anderson's commitment to advocating for equal educational opportunities for all children, emphasising the pressing requirement for policy enhancement to support SEND students proficiently across diverse locales.

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This week, I had a conversation about the potential impact Agilisys Transform’s AI tool, EHCP Plus, on jobs at Local Authorities. While many worry AI could lead to job losses, I’m confident it’s about empowering caseworkers, not replacing them. EHCP Plus streamlines the drafting process, allowing caseworkers to focus on high-value tasks while still ensuring their expertise shapes the final plan. This ‘human in the loop’ approach saves time, increases efficiency, and helps deliver better outcomes for children with SEND. It’s exciting to see Local Authorities already completing plans up to 60% faster.

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SEND FUNDING CHALLENGES

SEND Funding Cuts Threaten UK Councils with Financial Collapse by 2026

The looming financial crisis in UK councils over SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) funding is now critical. With the impending expiration of the "statutory override" in March 2026, councils are projected to face severe financial distress, unable to balance budgets from 2026 to 2029. This crisis is exacerbated by a surging demand for SEND support, with EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) increasing by 140% from 2014. The resultant high needs deficit is forecasted to reach £5 billion, demanding an urgent governmental intervention.

The Local Government Association (LGA) is calling for decisive actions in the upcoming Spending Review to erase existing deficits and enhance inclusion in mainstream educational settings. Cllr Arooj Shah stresses the risk to council's financial health and essential SEND services. Meanwhile, Kerry Booth from the Rural Services Network highlights the disproportionate challenge to rural services and advocates for a sustainable funding model. Without comprehensive reform, the quality and availability of critical services for vulnerable communities remain in jeopardy, necessitating immediate and effective governmental response.

SEND FUNDING ALLOCATION

Significant 1.7m Investment Enhances Derbyshire's SEND Infrastructure Initiatives

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SEND POLICY REFORM

Call to ‘Reset’ SEND Funding so Schools can Meet Local Needs

SEND funding reform is essential to effectively address local needs. The Confederation of School Trusts criticises the overly complex current system and advocates for a dignified approach, urging strategic investment in evidence-based planning. Such changes promise reduced statutory dependence and foster integration between mainstream and specialist educational sectors.

The Confederation of School Trusts (CST), representing over 1,000 school trusts, is advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of SEND funding. Their proposal emphasizes empowering mainstream schools with adequate resources, guidance, and flexibility to address diverse local needs, thereby reducing dependence on statutory interventions. CST identifies fundamental flaws in the current system, notably the oversimplification of SEND as a blanket term, which can lead to labeling rather than individualized support. They recommend the government implement robust demand forecasting for specialist placements and invest in national and regional infrastructure to ensure the availability of appropriate educational settings. Additionally, CST calls for research-backed guidelines to establish standards for mainstream inclusion, drawing parallels to the NHS's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) framework. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between specialist and mainstream institutions, enhancing knowledge sharing and improving outcomes for all students.

EDUCATION POLICY

Review of 'Blanket Ban' on Staff Giving Pupils Medication on School Transport After Complaint

Wandsworth Council's 'blanket ban' on staff administering emergency medication on school transport for disabled children was criticised by a watchdog. The policy ignores the necessary case-by-case assessment as required by statutory guidance, potentially causing harm. The council will amend its policy following the Ombudsman's recommendations.

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