Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “SEND”
What Labour’s victory could mean for education policyWith the projected Labour victory seemingly all but confirmed after yesterday’s General Election, a new government means a shift towards new policies. Below we take a look at the education policy Labour laid out while on the campaign trail; from the controversial plan to tax independent schools to delivering free breakfast clubs for …
The Major Parties’ Key Education PoliciesThe UK general election is tomorrow, and education is a key issue for many voters up and down the country. Here’s a detailed roundup of the major parties’ key education policies, giving you a clear understanding of the parties addressing the issues vital to you.The Conservative PartyThe Conservative party is focusing it’s education policies on …
The Growing SEND Budget CrisisCouncils across England are facing alarming shortfalls in their SEND budget, critical for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The BBC recently uncovered that councils predict a deficit nearing £1 billion in funds allocated for these students. This shortfall is exacerbated by increasing demands and mounting financial pressures on local authorities.Escalating Deficits and …
The Rising Cost of SEND Transport In recent years, councils across England have faced a significant financial challenge that has largely flown under the radar: the skyrocketing cost of providing school transport for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). A comprehensive investigation by the BBC has laid bare the extent of this issue, revealing a nearly doubled expenditure within …
Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforces (APST) The Department for Education (DfE) has embarked on a transformative approach to support vulnerable young people at risk of exploitation, gang involvement or serious violence, or falling out of education or employment through the introduction of Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforces (APST). This initiative aims to keep these individuals engaged in their education, steer them away from …
SEND Deficits Prompt Funding Redirect In an unprecedented move highlighting the depth of the financial crisis facing Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) funding in the UK, more than 20 councils have received ministerial approval to redirect a total of £67 million from their schools’ budgets. This decision marks a significant shift from previous years, where such requests were largely denied, …
Independent Schools VAT – SEND Exemption? In recent discussions within the UK’s educational and political landscapes, a crucial debate has emerged concerning the application of VAT on school fees, specifically regarding provisions for special needs education (SEND) within independent schools.Independent Schools VAT Row? As of January and April 2023, contrasting positions have been highlighted by Bridget Phillipson in the House of Commons …
What to expect from SEND Free Schools Wave 3In late 2022, Local Authorities (LAs) were invited to apply to establish special free schools in their areas. This marked the third wave of the SEND free schools application process, which aims to create a more inclusive education system across the UK since 2014.The Department for Education has still not revealed the …
Local authorities: one week left to complete the pre-registration form!The deadline for local authorities to register their interest in a new special free school is 11th July. You MUST register your interest in order to receive an application form. You do not need to have all the final details about your proposed school at this point, these can be amended …
Response to the SEND Green PaperIntroductionThe Department for Education recently released their green paper on SEND and alternative provision (AP), outlining the need for more consistency and oversight in order to ensure that all pupils have access to an inclusive and accessible education.The last major reforms to SEND approaches were in 2014, when the Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) …