Transforming EHCP Delivery: The EHCP Agency Report

Councils across the UK are facing a growing challenge: the number of EHCPs is increasing, but resources aren't keeping pace. Backlogs and delays are common, with increased pressure on caseworkers and many councils outsourcing EHCP drafting to manage demand to meet the 20-week statutory timeframe.

The Agilisys EHCP Agency allows councils to focus on what matters – providing high-quality support for children. This is achieved by an in-house expertise in EHCP writing and leveraging an AI-powered EHCP drafting tool. ​

The agency is focused on delivering high-quality consistent EHCPs at speed. Learn more about the service here.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Stigma of SEND Diagnosis: What Does the Research Say?

Identifying special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can be a crucial step in ensuring students receive the support they need. However, research suggests that while diagnostic labels can help in accessing resources and tailored interventions, they may also contribute to stigma and lowered expectations.

Students diagnosed with conditions such as dyslexia may experience a decline in self-confidence, particularly in subjects like English and mathematics. Additionally, both teachers and parents may unintentionally adjust their expectations, leading to a potential self-fulfilling prophecy that limits academic progress.

A more effective approach involves equipping educators with comprehensive training to understand learning barriers and implement inclusive teaching strategies. By focusing on individual learning needs rather than labels, schools can foster a supportive environment that promotes high expectations and meaningful progress for all students.

SEND POLICY REFORM

How to Reform EHCPs to Benefit Schools and Families

The introduction of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) in 2014 aimed to provide a comprehensive framework for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). However, over the past decade, the number of EHCPs has increased significantly, leading to concerns about the system's sustainability and effectiveness.

Challenges Identified:

• Bureaucratic Complexity: EHCPs have become more bureaucratic than the previous statements of SEND, often lacking meaningful input from health and social care sectors.

• Resource Constraints: The surge in EHCPs has strained local authorities' budgets, particularly during periods of austerity, making it challenging to administer multi-agency assessments effectively.

• Systemic Issues: The current system may inadvertently encourage families to seek EHCPs as the primary means of securing additional support, potentially leading to an over-reliance on formal plans.

Proposed Reforms:

1. Legislative Changes: Amending the Children and Families Act to redefine the criteria for EHCPs, ensuring they are reserved for students with the most significant needs.

2. Enhanced Use of the Equality Act: Leveraging the provisions of the Equality Act to support a broader range of students within mainstream education, reducing the dependency on EHCPs.

3. Improved Multi-Agency Collaboration: Fostering genuine partnerships between education, health, and social care sectors to ensure comprehensive support for students without necessitating formal plans.

4. Resource Allocation: Ensuring that schools receive adequate funding to support students with SEND, thereby decreasing the need for families to pursue EHCPs to access necessary resources.

By implementing these reforms, the aim is to create a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable system that better serves both schools and families, ensuring that all students with SEND receive the support they need to thrive.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Exclusive Webinar: EHCP Plus - Winter Cohort Insights

Join Agilisys Transform for an exclusive webinar, EHCP Plus: Winter Cohort Insights, and gain first-hand knowledge on how councils are leveraging AI to enhance SEND services.​

The session will explore:

• Key lessons learned from the Winter Cohort​

• First-hand experiences from councils using EHCP Plus​

• The transformative role of AI in improving SEND outcomes​

📅 Date: Wednesday, 12 March 2025​
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM GMT

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Report Highlights Critical Gaps in SEND Support Across England's Educational System

SEND INEQUALITIES

Children’s SEND Needs Missed Through Schools’ “Blind Spots” to Pupil Inequalities

Research by the Education Policy Institute reveals significant disparities in recognising Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Structural challenges, including school system fragmentation and socio-economic factors, hinder consistent identification. The report advocates improved teacher training, government investment, and better information-sharing to address these inequalities effectively.

The Labour government’s recent inquiry into the SEND crisis marks a pivotal moment for the future of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). With growing backlogs, missed statutory deadlines, and children missing out on essential support, the inquiry seeks to tackle these systemic challenges head-on. It signals a commitment to reimagining SEND services, focusing on better outcomes for children, young people, and families. By leveraging innovative tools like AI to streamline EHCP drafting, there’s a real opportunity to clear backlogs, ensure caseworkers can meet deadlines, and provide the personalised support every child deserves. This inquiry offers hope for a transformed SEND sector built to empower young people to thrive.​

Click here to read more 🔗

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Education Minister's UK Visit Spurs Strategic Education Reforms Collaboration

Egypt's Education Minister visited the UK to enhance bilateral educational collaboration. The delegation engaged with key UK educational institutions, including Ofsted and the British Council, focusing on curriculum reform and inclusive practices. The visit underscored mutual commitments to education reform, aiming to integrate British insights into Egypt's education system.

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