Special Educational Needs | Minister Rebukes Overdiagnosis Claims As SEND Reforms Near

Special Educational Needs

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⏱️THE MINUTE READ

UK GovTech Has Another Exciting Event For You! ​

​We have taken the summer off on hosting events, giving our hardworking readers some needed time off! ​However, as the new school year kicks off in a couple weeks – we have a fantastic slate of events for you. ​

Starting off, we hear Agilisys is hosting a webinar with one of their council partners on the use of the Agilisys EHCP tool in transforming SEND services. ​

​Many local authorities are exploring Generative AI use cases across their service areas, but do not know where to start. The Agilisys EHCP tool could be a good first step to exploring AI in a critical area of service delivery: SEND.​

​Interested in attending the webinar, press the button below:

📌WEEKLY MUST-KNOWS

POLICY & REFORM
Minister Rebukes Overdiagnosis Claims As SEND Reforms Near
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson condemned Derbyshire Council leader Alan Graves’ claims of ‘overdiagnosis’, while signalling national SEND reforms due in October. With EHCPs up 10.8% year-on-year to 638,745 in January 2025 (Derbyshire +17.8%), decisions on legal protections and timelines are under scrutiny. Councils, schools and families should expect policy shifts aimed at faster support and tighter system management.

PLACES & ESTATES
Hull Offices To Become 14–19 SEND School
Fast Forward Vocational Training has applied to convert Wincolmlee offices into an independent SEND school for 14–19-year-olds, serving up to 80 students (max 60 on site). Staffing would scale 25–40, with site access from Scott Street and dedicated parking. If approved, Hull gains near-term specialist capacity without a new build—important for placement pressures and transport planning.

SERVICE INTEGRATION
York Unveils ‘SEND CENTRAL’ Family Hub For 0–25s
City of York Council will open ‘SEND CENTRAL’ this autumn at Clifton Family Hub as a single front door for advice, signposting and Local Offer information. Co-designed with young people, the hub aims to streamline access for families—with or without an EHCP—and align support with health partners. Expect earlier help, clearer pathways and reduced navigation burden on parents and carers.

⚡QUICK READS

Kirklees Moves To Stabilise SEND Operations: Kirklees has set out investments and faster assessment timelines—aimed at reducing backlogs, restoring compliance and improving throughput across SEND pathways. (More)

Grimsby Secondary Adds Dedicated SEND Facility: A Grimsby secondary will create a new SEND facility—signalling mainstream capacity expansion and the need to plan for staff skills, timetabling and capital works. (More)