THIS WEEK’S RADAR🎯

• AI Education: Agilisys offers free GenAI workshops—Wigan Council kicks off SEND innovation

• Caseworker Event: Last few spots available for London in-person AI training for SEND professionals

• Provision Crisis: 98% of school leaders say they lack resources to meet SEND needs, warn of deepening crisis

• Inclusive Education: Edge Hill and Cork receive £155k to evaluate Universal Design for Learning in schools

• Neurodiversity Surge: Majority of Britons now self-identify as neurodivergent, sparking policy debate

AI EDUCATION

🤖 Free AI workshops for your council​

Are you a local authority or school interested in exploring AI solutions but do not know where to start? ​

Agilisys are offering a suite of AI workshops for interested councils and schools all focused on bringing Generative AI to SEND, Children’s Services and Adult Social Care. ​This past week, they were at Wigan Council leading AI workshops for over 100 council staff on ways to safely and securely integrate AI into their council operations. ​

​Whether you are starting your AI journey or looking for ways to expand – have a look at the Agilisys website for the services and solutions they offer and feel free to fill out the form on the website mentioning your interest in a free AI workshop for your council or reach out to [email protected] ​

EVENT

📆 SEND Caseworker Day - LAST FEW SPOTS Available!

Are you a London-based SEND professional interested in AI but have not found an easily accessible training course on AI and how it can support your role? ​

UK GovTech x Agilisys have got the session for you! ​

We are hosting an in-person event for SEND caseworkers designed to help you get the most from our EHCP tool, build confidence in using generative AI, and connect with peers across other local authorities.​

This will be a practical and inspiring day focused on helping SEND professionals and those on the front line of children's services save time and support families even more effectively.

📍 Scale Space, White City, London,📅 13/05/2025 | 🕒 9:30 - 11:30am | Refreshments Included​

Please RSVP ​

SPECIAL EDUCATION CRISIS

School Leaders Warn Of Worsening Crisis In Special Needs Provision Across UK

School leaders across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland overwhelmingly report a worsening crisis in special educational needs and disabilities (Send) provision, with 98% lacking resources to support all Send pupils and an 82% shortfall in specialist provision for those with agreed plans. Mounting demand and underfunding have pushed councils towards insolvency and schools into deficit, eroding staff morale. Immediate reform and increased investment are critical for ensuring vulnerable pupils receive appropriate support.

EDUCATION POLICY

Leicester Council Proposes New Policy for SEND Post-16 School Transport Support

Leicester City Council proposes major changes to post-16 school transport for young people with SEND, retaining funding only for those with the most complex needs due to fiscal pressures and a projected £68m shortfall by 2027-28. About 83% will continue receiving support, while others must pursue independent travel training. Consultation addressed parental concerns, but significant budget cuts are now unavoidable.

SPECIAL EDUCATION EXPANSION

Ofsted Approves Expansion Plans For Dovecote School Supporting More SEND Pupils

Ofsted has approved Dovecote School’s request to increase its capacity from 84 to 130 pupils and extend its upper age limit to 19, recognising robust safeguarding and a strong, individualised SEND curriculum. The school’s annual fees range from £68,000 to £82,000, catering to complex educational needs. This expansion addresses a critical need for specialised provision in the region.

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION INITIATIVES

Edge Hill And Cork Secure Funding To Evaluate Universal Inclusive Education Model

Edge Hill University, in collaboration with University College Cork, has received a £155,000 grant from Ireland’s National Council for Special Education to evaluate a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) pilot programme. The research will rigorously assess new methods to foster inclusive education in Ireland’s mainstream schools, a critical concern amid ongoing challenges in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities provision. Findings could inform urgent policy decisions for school leaders and governmental agencies.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRENDS

Majority Of Britons Now Self-Identify As Neurodivergent Amid Diagnosis Debate

A majority of Britons now self-identify as neurodivergent, encompassing conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia—a shift attributed to increased societal acceptance and awareness. Experts warn that this trend risks over-medicalising eccentric behaviour, potentially blurring the distinction between personality and true developmental disorder. Greater self-identification necessitates careful policy consideration in healthcare, education, and social support.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS🗳️