THIS WEEK’S RADAR🎯

• EHCP Tool in the Lords: Agilisys EHCP solution spotlighted in Parliament — 35+ councils now accelerating plan quality and delivery.

• SEND Complaints Surge: 60% rise in Ofsted complaints — trust gaps and funding pressures driving parent frustration.

• Special Schools Underfunded: £419M real-terms shortfall leaves 2/3 of special schools struggling to deliver EHCP provision.

• Private Placement Pressures: Kent’s private SEND placement costs have tripled — early intervention and local capacity now critical.

• Council Funding Gap: £6.2bn local gov shortfall jeopardises EHCP delivery — staffing and assessment timelines at risk.

🌟Agilisys EHCP Spotlighted in the House of Lords​🌟

🎥 From Innovation to Impact: EHCP Tool Spotlighted in the House of Lords

Government Technology can play an important role in helping alleviate some of the burden of the SEND crisis and it is great to hear government focusing on how technology can play a part in revolutionising digital services.

​The Agilisys EHCP tool - built with and for local authorities - was recently highlighted in the House of Lords as an example of how digital innovation can drive real-world impact in SEND services.

​The tool is being used by 35+ local authorities to draft EHCPs, ensuring families and children get the necessary support they need faster and to a higher quality! ​Hear what was said about the Agilisys EHCP tool in the House of Lords here and how your local authority can get involved and experience the transformative impact!

SEND SYSTEM CHALLENGES

Rising Ofsted Complaints Highlight Challenges in SEND Support and Trust Crisis

Complaints to Ofsted about SEND provisions in state schools have surged 60% due to budget constraints and decreased trust in the system. Parents worry about losing tailored support plans, while government plans aim to overhaul the SEND system. Urgent action is needed to ensure adequate support for SEND students.

SEND BUDGETS

Special Schools Facing £419M Real-Terms Budget Shortfall

Two-thirds of special schools in England are operating with lower real-terms funding than 2010, with collective spending power diminished by £419 million according to the School Cuts campaign. Union analysis reveals 582 of 883 comparable settings have seen budget cuts, undermining the capacity to deliver specialized support for pupils with EHCPs. This funding crisis directly impacts the quality of provision EHCP case workers can secure for their most vulnerable clients.

SEND SCHOOLS

SEND Private School Costs Triple to £84M in Kent Alone

Kent County Council's expenditure on private SEND placements has skyrocketed from £28m in 2019 to £84m in 2022-23, with individual cases costing up to £350,000 annually. This 200% increase reflects the systemic pressure on local authorities to secure appropriate provision when state-maintained options are insufficient. For EHCP professionals, this highlights the critical importance of robust needs assessment and early intervention to prevent costly out-of-area placements.

SEND FUNDING GAP

Council Funding Crisis Threatens SEND Service Delivery

English councils face a £6.2bn funding shortfall over the next two years, with core funding remaining 18% below 2010 levels despite rising demand for SEND services. The Local Government Association warns this financial pressure directly impacts councils' ability to fulfill statutory EHCP duties, with many authorities struggling to maintain adequate case worker staffing levels and assessment timelines.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS🗳️