THIS WEEK’S RADAR🎯

• BBC News: Stoke-on-Trent leaps from 43% to 83% on EHCP timeliness, thanks to Agilisys EHCP - AI-driven report drafting.

• IPSEA urges MPs to fix SEND failures, citing poor implementation and lack of local accountability.

• Bracknell Forest launches urgent action plan following systemic SEND service failures.

• Lincolnshire invests £7m in new SEND hubs, boosting support in mainstream school settings.

Some Absolutely Fantastic News out of Stoke City Council! ​

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is leading the way with an innovative use of AI to transform how Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are produced – and the results are fantastic.​

​Faced with growing demand, the council had struggled to meet the national target of issuing 60% of EHCPs within 20 weeks – hitting just 43% in 2023–24. But thanks to a new AI tool that helps case workers quickly extract and structure information from reports, that figure has now jumped to 83% in April 2024.​

This is the future of EHCP Drafting – get your council involved now. ​

Learn more about Agilisys’s EHCP Drafting tool here. ​ Be sure to reach out to grab one of the last free trial spots!

EDUCATION POLICY

SEND Success Depends On Implementation, Accountability, And Adequate Support For Families

IPSEA asserts that England’s SEND crisis stems not from inadequate legislation, but from the chronic failure to implement existing law and a lack of accountability at the local authority level. The charity urges MPs to mandate statutory SEN support, enhance Ofsted and Ombudsman oversight, and ensure fair provision without forcing families into legal battles. Without systemic change and reliable resources, vulnerable children remain at risk.

SPECIAL NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

Bracknell Council Issues Action Plan To Address Failings In SEND Services

Bracknell Forest Council has published a priority action plan in response to Ofsted and CQC findings of systemic failures in local SEND services, causing many children to miss substantial schooling. The plan outlines monthly board meetings, rigorous data review, and urgent reform of Education, Health and Care Plans. Immediate action is crucial for parents and families seeking assurance that children's needs will be properly identified, supported, and monitored in future.

SPECIAL NEEDS INCLUSION

Lincolnshire Invests £7m For SEND Hubs In Mainstream School Settings

Lincolnshire County Council is allocating over £7m to develop SEND hubs in selected mainstream schools, enhancing support for pupils with additional needs via new facilities and specialist staff. Families are invited to contribute feedback during the consultation. The initiative addresses the urgent need for inclusive, high-quality provision.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS🗳️