In the Headlines🔍

Is Your Council Experiencing Unprecedented Growth In EHCP Requests?

​This is what North Somerset Council faced - with rising volumes, mounting caseworker pressure, and the urgent need to ensure children received timely and high-quality plans. From the graph below, you can see the council experienced a 95% growth in EHCP requests over 4 years. ​

By introducing the Agilisys EHCP Drafting Tool, North Somerset has significantly reduced the administrative impact on professionals and enhanced the quality of support offered to children and families. Learn more and download the NSC case study of their use of the EHCP tool. ​

Quick Reads📖

EDUCATION CRISIS

UK's SEN Funding Crisis Drives Innovation in Inclusive Education and Investment

The UK's SEN funding shortfall, hitting £3.3 billion by 2024, requires urgent reforms to ensure sustainable support for escalating EHCP demands. Proposed initiatives include early intervention, mainstream inclusion, and boosted public-private partnerships, highlighted by hefty £12 billion investments in inclusive education. Investors should consider EdTech and PPPs addressing personalised SEN needs, offering potential growth amid systemic changes.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE

Norfolk County Council Faces £7m Annual Interest on SEND Debt

Norfolk County Council is incurring £7 million annually in interest payments for debt associated with supporting SEND children. This financial strain highlights significant budgetary concerns, necessitating immediate evaluation of funding strategies to ensure sustainable educational support.

SPECIAL EDUCATION REFORMS

SEND Reforms Under Investigation By Newly-Created Taskforce Across England

A newly-formed taskforce in England will assess and refine support mechanisms for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The urgent goal is to bridge the gap between existing policies and the actual needs of young people, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes.

SPECIAL EDUCATION CRISIS

Private Firms Paid 'Millions' in SEND Cash As Cost Of Child Assessments Rockets

Private agencies are charging millions for inadequate remote assessments of children's needs, burdening local councils and exploiting educational psychologists for profits. This results in misdiagnosed needs, unnecessary care plans, and financial strain, highlighting a pressing need for reforms in England's SEND system.

This Week Around The UK 🌎

EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Rebuild of Taunton Special Needs School Begins After RAAC Discovery

Work to rebuild Selworthy School in Taunton has started, addressing the dangers of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) found in 2022. The project aims to enhance safety, accommodate additional students, and alleviate financial pressures by avoiding costly external placements. Scheduled for completion in September 2026, this development is crucial given Somerset's urgent need for increased SEND educational capacity.

SPECIAL EDUCATION EXPANSION

New Special School For SEND Pupils Set To Open In York

SPECIAL NEEDS FUNDING

Financial Support Boost for Special Needs Facilities in Two Local Schools

Leominster Primary School and Aylestone School will receive over £278,000 in total for SEND facilities improvement. Allocated funds will create additional classroom capacity and enhanced support for pupils with Education Health and Care Plans. Projects are council-funded and will complete by the autumn term.