In the Headlines🔍

What Does It Mean To Write A Good EHCP?​

With rising demand, increasing complexity, and pressure on local services, the quality of EHCPs matters more than ever. Strong plans provide clarity, improve outcomes, and support families faster.​

A new piece by EHCP drafting experts at Agilisys explores what ‘good’ looks like - from structure and outcomes to how Generative AI is helping councils strengthen plan quality at scale.​

Must read for SEND professionals and EHC plan writers seeking to understand what the next stage of EHCP drafting will look like with AI. ​

Quick Reads📖

SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION

Fixing Special Needs Education Amid Delays and Funding Challenges in England

A new initiative offers early autism support for children, addressing the lengthy seven-year wait for diagnosis in parts of England. By deploying specialist teams to primary schools and using cross-checked data, it provides rapid aid to at-risk pupils, aiming to prevent escalating emotional challenges. As governmental reforms loom, the importance of maintaining legal rights for special educational needs remains a pressing concern.

SPECIAL EDUCATION REFORM

Government's Reform Plans For Special Educational Needs Raise Parental Concerns

The UK government's proposed overhaul of special educational needs threatens to reduce essential support and funding, risking the welfare of nearly two million young people. Parents and advocacy groups express concern that eliminating individual EHCPs in favour of expanded mainstream school units will lead to inadequate service provision. The lack of firm details adds to fears that these reforms are merely cost-cutting measures.

SEND REFORMS

Concerns Over Removing EHCP Rights for Children with SEND

The potential restriction or removal of EHCPs for children with SEND threatens to limit essential support. This decision risks shifting financial burdens from local authorities to schools, many of which are already underfunded, thereby jeopardising the education and development of affected children. It is crucial to uphold and enforce existing legal rights for SEND students rather than reducing their access to vital services.

EDUCATION CONCERNS

Parents Urge MP To Address Broken Special Educational Needs System

Parents in Haverhill shared distressing experiences with West Suffolk MP Nick Timothy, highlighting severe gaps in services for children with SEND. The current system is inadequate, with parents facing long waits for assessments, insufficient specialist school placements, and bureaucratic hurdles hindering their children's education. Without urgent reform, many children’s right to adequate education remains compromised.

This Week Around The UK 🌎

EDUCATIONAL INVESTMENT

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Approves £7 Million SEND School Investment

COUNCIL FUNDING CRISIS

Devon's SEND Overspend Deferred, Ringfencing Extended to March 2028

Devon County Council has temporarily averted a £170 million deficit in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) by extending deficit ringfencing until 2028. Despite a £6 million government grant, funding falls short of annual overspend. Strategic investments are vital to avoid future financial strain on Devon's educational support system.