NAO REPORT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The Rising Pressure on Local Government & How AI is Stepping In​​

The latest NAO report paints a stark picture of local government financial sustainability, with increasing difficulty in providing essential services. ​

Nowhere is this more apparent than in SEND support, where the number of EHC plan appeals has surged from 6,000 in 2018 to 15,600 in 2023 - 98% of which were ruled in favour of the child. This signals a system under immense strain, with families struggling for timely support and caseworkers battling unmanageable workloads. #​

That’s why Agilisys built EHCP Plus - a Generative AI-powered tool that assists caseworkers in drafting EHC plans in just 15 minutes, saving up to six hours per case. By improving plan quality and giving caseworkers more time with families, Agilisys helps local authorities do more with limited resources. Want to see the impact for yourself? Get in touch with the Agilisys team to learn how EHCP Plus is transforming SEND provision.

💬 EDITOR’S INSIGHT

Addressing Staffing Challenges in UK Special Education

The UK is at a pivotal moment in special education, grappling with a shortage of specialist staff. Recruitment hurdles and high turnover rates in special schools are major concerns, as highlighted by education policy think tanks. Many SEND professionals face burnout due to heavy caseloads and limited resources. Yet, there's hope. Recent workforce data reveals innovative programs where multi-disciplinary teams collaborate to support SEND learners, potentially easing staffing issues.

This shortage isn't just about staffing; it's a systemic challenge impacting the quality of education for SEND learners. High turnover and recruitment barriers create instability, making it tough for schools to maintain effective support systems. Burnout among SEND professionals, overwhelmed by their roles, adds to this instability.

Innovative programs using multi-disciplinary teams offer a promising solution. By uniting professionals from various fields, these programs provide comprehensive support, addressing diverse needs more effectively. This approach not only improves education quality but also balances workloads, reducing burnout and improving retention.

For SEND sector leaders, the way forward is to embrace these models and push for broader implementation. This means tackling recruitment barriers and fostering a supportive environment for SEND professionals. By investing in training, resources, and collaboration, the sector can build a resilient workforce to meet SEND learners' needs.

While challenges in special education are significant, they are not insurmountable. By leveraging innovative programs and supporting SEND professionals, the sector can overcome staffing challenges, ensuring every learner receives the support they need to succeed. This benefits both professionals and enhances educational outcomes for SEND learners, aligning with the goal of staying informed on national policy updates and innovations in special education across the UK.

SEND IMPROVEMENT PLAN

SEND Action Plan Targets Rapid Improvements in Lancashire's Education System

The 'Priority Action Plan' developed by the Lancashire SEND Partnership aims to address the pressing challenges faced by services supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Recent inspections by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) highlighted both strengths and areas needing improvement within the Lancashire SEND services. Through this plan, there is a committed effort to enhance strategic governance, improve the quality and timeliness of Education Health and Care plans, and address gaps in service provision. Notably, significant financial resources have been allocated to support these initiatives, underscoring the seriousness of the endeavour.

Nationally, there is an increasing demand for SEND support, which has led to frustrations among parents and professionals. The House of Commons Education Committee's inquiry is a testament to the critical nature of this situation. The overarching objective of the Lancashire partnership is to ensure that children with SEND receive appropriate and timely support, enhancing their educational outcomes and overall well-being. The plan demonstrates a clear, collaborative strategy with a focus on achieving substantial transformation in SEND services across Lancashire.

SEND TRANSPORT COSTS

Cost of SEND Transport Over 10 Times More than Mainstream

Wiltshire's growing demand for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) transport has led to costs over ten times higher than for mainstream students, as outlined in a recent council report. The strain on resources is further compounded by driver shortages and the continuous rise in SEND pupils, estimated to grow with new school openings. The average annual transport cost for a SEND student is £8,146 compared to £810 for mainstream students.

Legal obligations for transporting SEND students and the rising demand underscore the urgent financial and logistical challenges faced by Wiltshire Council. The council is grappling with a projected budget overspend due to an unexpected surge in students requiring additional support. This situation highlights a systemic issue within the SEND system, pointing to a need for strategic planning and sustainable funding solutions to ensure the council can meet its statutory transport obligations effectively.

SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION

Navigating Strategic Reforms in England's SEND Education System

Bridget Phillipson's address at the Association of School and College Leaders' conference highlights an impending overhaul of England's SEND framework. With local authorities teetering on the brink of insolvency due to strained budgets, the system that originated from the 2014 reforms demands a transformative approach. Projected deficits of £5 billion underline the urgency for policymakers to spearhead a systemic shift, prioritising effective delivery of services to children with SEND. This strategic reorientation challenges pre-existing frameworks, advocating for a dialogue that places children's outcomes at the forefront.

Phillipson's vision pivots towards inclusivity within mainstream education, underscored by a £740 million investment aimed at facilitating necessary adaptations. By promoting timely identification and support, these reforms aim to dismantle the adversarial structure that currently burdens parents and system stakeholders. Under Tom Rees' leadership, a call for evidence seeks to amplify practical, data-driven solutions. However, the National Education Union's concerns about funding adequacy remain a critical barrier. For those engaged in shaping SEND policies, this moment calls for decisive action, strategising not only for inclusivity but for a sustainable, future-proof education environment.

EDUCATIONAL INEQUALITY

Urgent Action Needed for SEND Children Facing Poverty and Systemic Failure

Children with special educational needs are disproportionately facing poverty, a circumstance fuelled by insufficient support and systemic failures within educational frameworks. The prevailing educational structures are ill-equipped to handle diverse needs, leading to both families and children experiencing social isolation and economic challenges. Policymakers must shift from a one-size-fits-all approach, actively integrating specialists into the educational environment to ensure timely and effective support.

EVENT OF THE MONTH

Exclusive Insights on EHCP Plus 🚀​

Agilisys Transform are excited to co-host a webinar with Outcomes Matter Consulting to share key reflections from the Winter Cohort of EHCP Plus!​

EHCP Plus is already helping local authorities transform EHCP drafting, saving caseworkers time while improving quality. This session is your chance to hear directly from those using the tool - what is working, the real-world impact, and what is coming next!​

The Future of EHC Plans: AI Supporting Each Child’s Needs​

At Agilisys, the team have developed EHCP Plus, an AI-powered tool that helps Local Authorities create Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) more efficiently. By reducing backlogs and minimising delays, it ensures children receive the support they need sooner, while enabling caseworkers to focus on families rather than paperwork.​

The team are committed to working with parents and carers to build trust in AI’s role in EHCPs. Their approach keeps human expertise at the centre, ensuring plans remain accurate, personalised, and transparent.

Read more to hear from Sarah, EHCP expert, on how she became convinced of AI’s transformative impact on EHCP creation—and why every local authority should be embracing it.​

SEND IMPROVEMENTS

Bracknell Forest Council Urgently Addresses SEND Service Improvement Needs

SEND FUNDING REFORM

SEND Policy Reform Critically Needed to Address Somerset's Funding and Provision Gap

Sarah Dyke MP has called for urgent reform of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) funding, highlighting severe financial challenges faced by Somerset Council. Speaking at the f40 Conference, Dyke noted that Somerset receives over £4,000 less per pupil than better-funded councils, despite a 60% rise in SEND placements since 2014. Somerset faces a £290 million SEND budget deficit over the next five years. Dyke supports a national SEND funding body and reduced school contributions to ease the pressure.

SEND FUNDING CRISIS

Durham Council Faces Unsustainable SEND Funding Crisis Amid Rising Demand

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