EHCP TOOL

How Can AI Support SEND Caseworkers?

This question comes up often. Agilisys Transform’s answer? By giving SEND Caseworkers more time to focus on children and families—the part of the job that inspired them in the first place.

SEND Caseworkers are at the heart of delivering support for children and families. Their work requires expertise, empathy, and a deep understanding of each child’s needs—qualities that AI cannot and should not replace. But right now, too many Caseworkers are overwhelmed by paperwork, spending hours drafting EHCPs instead of doing what they do best: supporting children and families.

🌟That’s where EHCP Plus comes in.

EHCP Plus isn’t about replacing Caseworkers—it’s about uplifting them. The tool reduces the time spent drafting EHCPs while ensuring high-quality, well-structured plans. This enables Caseworkers to focus on meaningful conversations, better decision-making, and delivering the best possible outcomes for children.

And here’s the key: a human is always in the loop.

AI can speed up the process, but Caseworkers remain in control—refining, shaping, and finalising each EHCP to ensure it truly reflects the child’s needs. EHCP Plus just helps them get there faster.

Watch the video below, where EHCP Advisor, Sarah Warren, explains how Agilisys Transform is supporting—not replacing—the vital role of SEND Caseworkers.​

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EHCP Plus - How AI will Support SEND Case Workers Deliver Better Outcomes for Children #ehcp #send #specialeducation #specialeducationalne... See more

For more information on how GenAI is transforming SEND services, PRESS HERE to request a personalised copy for your council.

SPECIAL EDUCATION CRISIS

Ministers Plan Major Changes to SEND Education in England

The financial challenges besieging England's Send system demand attention and decisive policy interventions. With council deficits spiralling, projected to reach £5bn by 2026, the systemic pressures on services like EHCPs urge a governmental recalibration. Proposed legislative adjustments aim to mitigate budgetary strain by curbing parental appeals and reducing reliance on costly private provisions. However, such measures necessitate careful consideration to avoid undermining the accessibility of essential support.

For policymakers, the urgency lies in devising frameworks that address the roots of these deficits and foster sustainable funding models. Failure to effectively reform could escalate council insolvency risks, adversely affecting local educational and social structures. With the potential for a profound impact on service delivery and inclusivity, the focus must be on strategic funding solutions and innovations that align with the evolving needs of the SEND sector, ensuring systems are robust enough to accommodate and support every child effectively.

TEACHER SHORTAGES

Are ITT ‘Shortcomings’ Behind Special School Teacher Shortages?

The persistent teacher shortages in England's special schools highlight significant gaps in the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) system. Analysis by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) reveals that just 19% of special school teachers in 2022-23 entered directly from ITT, a notable decrease compared to primary and secondary schools. This disparity suggests a misalignment in training routes tailored to special education needs. Moreover, two-thirds of teachers across sectors report feeling unprepared by ITT to address Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), underscoring the pressing need for an adapted training framework.

NFER emphasises the urgency for policymakers to evaluate ITT's structure, particularly its flow into special schools. Special schools remain underrepresented in workforce planning, lacking explicit recruitment targets. Policymaking must account for these institutions' unique needs, considering options like a specialised ITT route for prospective SEND teachers, despite potential misconceptions about SEND teaching. A detailed examination of ITT placement practices is essential, as the current structure prioritises mainstream school environments, potentially disadvantaging special schools. Immediate, evidence-based action is crucial to combat these challenges and safeguard the future of special education in England.

SEND POLICY CHALLENGES

The Government are at Risk of Making a Formidable Enemy – SEND Parents

The government's recalibration of special educational needs (SEND) provision in England and Wales presents a challenge for policy makers prioritizing both fiscal responsibility and educational equity. With the Department for Education's focus on balancing local authority budgets, there's a palpable risk of diluting the legal rights of SEND children. This strategy, which could limit tribunals and curtail parental appeals, raises significant concerns about prioritising cost-cutting over meeting the nuanced needs of vulnerable educational demographics.

As budget cuts loom, the SEND sector faces a critical juncture that demands foresight. The potential impact on SEND funding could reshape the support landscape drastically, especially concerning mainstream inclusivity. Current legislation mandates comprehensive assessments and support systems via Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), a structure that safeguards the developmental trajectory of disabled or neurodivergent children. Given the fiscal pressures, any abrupt policy shifts must be weighed against the long-term societal costs, which could far outweigh immediate budgetary relief. This scenario necessitates an informed and strategic approach to ensure that SEND policies remain robust and inclusive.

SPECIAL EDUCATION EXPANSION

Former Library to be Remade for Green Fold Special School Expansion

To address the pressing demand for special educational needs places, the Green Fold Special School in Bolton is set for expansion. Repurposing a former library, this £500,000 project entails significant remodelling, including additional hygiene suites and classrooms. This underscores a national challenge requiring governmental intervention to manage rising needs.

SPECIAL EDUCATION COLLABORATION

SEND Reforms Demand Cross-Agency Collaboration for Long-Term Solutions

The escalating challenges of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) demand an urgent rethink of local collaboration and resource allocation. The rising demand for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) amid shrinking budgets highlights the need for innovative solutions. Local authorities, such as in Lambeth, have successfully created seamless pathways for SEND learners by collaborating across educational and social care sectors. This approach prevents the costly and disruptive practice of placing young people in independent, out-of-area provisions.

Achieving place-based solutions, as highlighted by the Department for Education's 2023 improvement plan, requires structural reform beyond curriculum changes. It's imperative to build an integrated system encompassing education, health, and social care, fostering genuine collaboration. Overcoming systemic barriers necessitates shared long-term commitments and appropriate government incentives, encouraging local authorities and trusts to work in unison. By prioritising collaborative efforts over siloed approaches, every child, regardless of need, stands to receive the education and care they deserve in their own communities. This model sets a precedent for addressing the SEND crisis, ensuring sustainable, community-based support for young learners.

SEND REFORM POLICY

SEND Reform Must be Informed by Sector Voices

SEND reform demands a focus on inclusive practices, embedded within mainstream education frameworks. Upcoming policy changes, including a SEND white paper and revisions to Ofsted inspections, seek to mirror the innovation already present in the sector. The Learning in Harmony Trust exemplifies effective integration, showcasing successful models where special needs classes are part of mainstream schools. This collaboration not only enhances educational experiences but also offers a roadmap for systemic change.

Leadership must prioritise inclusivity across all levels of school administration, recognising its critical role beyond the limitations of the SENCO position. Financial structures often hinder progress, yet Newham's local authority provides a noteworthy solution by realigning funds to better support schools with significant SEND numbers. Such reallocations could serve as a model for wider application. Addressing the absence of explicit incentives and funding misalignments is key to advancing SEND education. As policies evolve, the emphasis must remain on fostering inclusive environments through informed leadership and strategic resource management.

SEND EDUCATION CHALLENGES

Special Needs Isolates 11-Year-Old Boy, Igniting Parental Outrage

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