WEBINAR RECAP

🚨 Missed Agilisys Transform’s EHCP Plus Webinar? Don’t Worry — We’ve Got You

The Winter Cohort Insights session on 2nd April was packed with energy, frontline insights, and powerful takeaways on how councils are using GenAI to transform the EHCP process.​

🎥 Catch the full recording here​

Here’s what you missed:​

A national SEND system in crisis — rising demand, staff burnout, and a projected £3.9bn funding gap by 2027/28​. Real world results include:

• 800+ hours saved​ across 23 councils.

• 60% average time saved per plan​

• £1m indicative savings for one council​

• 400+ children supported so far

💬 What caseworkers are saying:​

~ “Every time I use it, the output is better, I get faster using it, and it saves me more time.”​
~ “I don’t think I can go back to not using the tool – I’ve become reliant on it now.”​
~ “Section A was always the worst bit to write, and the tool does it so well now.”​

EDUCATIONAL INVESTMENT

UK Government Funds 10,000 New SEND Pupil Places with £740M

The UK government's allocation of £740 million to create 10,000 new SEND pupil places is a transformative move towards inclusivity in education. The funding aims to address the growing demand by expanding specialist units in mainstream schools and establishing new places in special schools, thus allowing children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to thrive locally. With only 10% of mainstream schools currently offering specialist provision, this investment is vital in closing the gaps noted since the increase in demand from 7,000 to 26,000 EHCP-eligible children attending independent special schools.

The initiative is part of the broader Plan for Change, aiming to dismantle barriers to opportunities for SEND pupils across the country. The funds will also support creating inclusive environments through assistive technology and breakout spaces, ensuring that schools are equipped to meet diverse needs. The investment comes amid increased calls for reform in the SEND system, ensuring early detection and support for children, ultimately facilitating their integration and success within their local communities. With additional investments planned for wider infrastructure improvements, the government is underscoring its commitment to providing inclusive and sustainable education nationwide.

EDUCATIONAL FUNDING

Bradford Secures £7 Million for SEND School Places Expansion

EDUCATIONAL FUNDING CRISIS

Nottingham SEND Funding Crisis Looms Without Government Plan

Reflecting on the journey of EHCP Plus, I’m proud of how far Gen AI has come in developing tools that empowers and frees up times for caseworkers and so supporting SEND departments in local authorities with statutory deadlines. The goal of a GenAI tool was to reduce the time spent on EHCP drafting, allowing caseworkers to focus more on children and families. Developed in partnership with local authorities and shaped by feedback, EHCP Plus enhances the caseworker’s role, ensuring tailored outputs that match each LA’s specific template, style, and terminology. This results in clearer, more consistent, and accurate plans that reflect the child’s needs and the views of families and professionals, while streamlining the drafting process. Feedback from trialists shows EHCP Plus is already making a real difference to LA SEND Departments.​

💬 EDITOR’S INSIGHT

The Untapped Potential of Geolocation and Data Analytics in SEND Provision

As pressures on SEND services grow—rising demand, stretched budgets, and persistent inequalities—there’s increasing interest in how technology might help. Two tools with untapped potential in this space are geolocation and data analytics. While often discussed in commercial or logistical settings, these technologies offer real, practical value to SEND professionals navigating complex local needs.

Geolocation, when applied thoughtfully, can do more than map where pupils are. It can reveal patterns in need, provision gaps, and transport inefficiencies. For local authorities managing out-of-area placements or high-cost travel arrangements, this visibility can drive more equitable and cost-effective decisions. More importantly, it can support fairer access—ensuring support isn’t determined by postcode.

Paired with data analytics, the potential grows. Some local areas are already using device-level data and service-use trends to predict demand and reallocate resources dynamically. These aren’t futuristic ideas—they’re already improving planning cycles and helping teams focus on early intervention rather than crisis response.

Of course, adoption varies. Regions embracing geolocation and analytics are seeing tangible improvements in EHCP timeliness, staff workload management, and transport logistics. Others lag behind due to funding, infrastructure, or training gaps. This disparity matters—and calls for national conversations around digital capacity-building in SEND. For SEND leaders, the question isn’t whether to embrace these tools, but how to do so meaningfully. Investment in the right systems—and the skills to interpret the data—will be key. But so will ethical considerations around data use and equity of access.

SPECIAL NEEDS FUNDING

DoWMAT Demands Enhanced SEND Funding to Address Dudley's Educational Needs

The Diocese of Worcester Multi-Academy Trust (DoWMAT) has underscored the dire need for enhanced funding for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Dudley. Inviting Bishop Martin Gorick to Netherton CE Primary School, the Trust showcased the innovative yet financially strained methods used to support the significant number of pupils with additional needs. While the Trust employs creative approaches, the worrying financial landscape presents substantial hurdles, with funding disparities glaringly evident when compared to neighbouring Worcestershire.

SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING

Hampshire Adopts £22 Million Funding to Expand SEND School Places

The Hampshire County Council welcomes the addition of £22 million in government funding, aiming to address the acute demand for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) placements. Allocated as part of a £740 million pledge to create 10,000 new SEND placements nationally, the funds intend to bolster in-house provisions within mainstream and special schools. Hampshire plans to create 1,000 new placements, thereby reducing reliance on independent special schools and enabling SEND children to remain closer to home. This funding is critical given that the county is projected to have 28,000 pupils needing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) by 2030-31 if current trends continue unmitigated.

FISCAL POLICY UPDATE

Rachel Reeves Adjusts Fiscal Policy Amid Debt and Growth Concerns

Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement revealed significant fiscal challenges, with higher interest rates and inflation wiping out the chancellor's fiscal headroom. The Office for Budget Responsibility's forecasts indicate temporary economic weakness but optimism for future growth, although persistent low productivity remains a risk. The government's response, including disability welfare cuts, aims to preserve a budget surplus, yet fails to address systematic UK fiscal policy flaws. Tinkering with policy in reaction to minimal forecast changes perpetuates past government missteps, exposing vulnerabilities and the need for more strategic fiscal planning.

Despite economic constraints, Reeves has shielded unprotected department budgets from deeper cuts. The announcement of a £3.25 billion Transformation Fund signifies a push for public sector reform and efficiency improvements, but given its broad scope, its impact might be limited without comprehensive reform strategies. The planned reallocation of defence spending and the ongoing resources will test the government's ability to enhance public services effectively. Balancing immediate fiscal pressures with long-term improvements is crucial for sustainable public finance and service enhancement.

UPCOMING EVENTS

📅 Wed 16th April, 10:00 – 10:45AM BST​ | Digital & SEND Leaders Deep Dive

📅Wed 23rd April, 10:00 – 10:45AM BST | Council Case Study Insights – ​

📩  For more information, get in touch with [email protected] or head over to Agilisys website.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS🗳️