THIS WEEK’S RADAR🎯

• AI & Data Ethics: Agilisys outlines what makes a secure and trustworthy AI partner for local councils

• Teacher Training Gap: £260m investment urged to upskill teachers and improve SEND pupil outcomes

• Support Delays: Families face 200+ day waits for SEND care

• Infrastructure Shortfall: Darlington SEND centre needs £375k to meet rising demand

• New Study Insights: Cardiff research shows who gets identified for SEND support — and who’s at risk of being missed

AI IN PUBLIC SERVICES

What Makes a Trusted AI Partner? Lessons from Agilisys & LOTI

There have been lots of media attention on security of data and AI in the news recently with both M&S and The Co-Op suffering data breaches that have potentially impacted thousands of customers. ​We often hear from engaged readers that their biggest concern with AI in public services is the security of data and finding a trusted partner to build and develop AI tools. ​

The UK GovTech team has come across a report written by Agilisys in response to the Using AI Responsibly report commissioned by the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI) and the LGA about what qualities local authorities and indiviuals should consider when seeking AI partners. ​Pippa Barlow, Delivery Associate at Agilisys shares how the team approaches working with councils on embedding new AI tools across the UK! ​

👉 Read more here🔗

EDUCATION POLICY

Call For £260m Government Investment In Teacher Training To Address Schools Crisis

Research from the IPPR and Ambition Institute calls for £260m to fund a national teacher training scheme, asserting that teachers in England receive insufficient training—less than 30 hours annually—despite evidence linking professional development to educational quality, retention, and reduced inequality. Effective teaching, particularly for disadvantaged and SEND pupils, is pinpointed as the most influential school-based factor for pupil outcomes. Immediate investment is urged to address staff attrition and worsening standards.

SOCIAL CARE CRISIS

Special Needs Support Failing Families as Disabled Children Face Severe Service Delays

Birmingham mother, remains unable to work while caring alone for her severely disabled son, citing a fractured SEND system that leaves families unsupported for over a year due to social care assessment delays. Recent national charity data reveal over 200-day average waits and widespread breaches of the legal 45-day limit, with one in three families unable to access necessary services. The crisis exposes profound impacts on parental health, children’s development, and workforce participation, underscoring the urgent need for government action.

EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Additional £375,000 Required For Darlington Special Needs Sixth-Form Centre

STUDY FINDINGS

New Study Highlights Key Factors Influencing Special Educational Needs Identification in Wales

A recent study by Cardiff University analyzed data from over 284,000 pupils in Wales to understand factors influencing the identification of SEND. The research found that male students, those of white ethnicity, pupils with persistent absences, and children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to be identified with SEND. Notably, since the introduction of the new Additional Learning Needs (ALN) system in Wales, the proportion of students identified with SEN has decreased from approximately 20% to 11.2% as of January 2024. Researchers suggest that these findings can inform more inclusive and effective support strategies under the ALN framework.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS🗳️