Tag #Special Educational Needs

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bbc.com

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Sep 18, 04:16

MPs oppose scrapping care plans for children with special needs

The Education Select Committee in the UK recommends against eliminating individualized care plans (EHCPs) for children with special educational needs, calling for improved support standards, teacher training, and increased funding instead.

MPs oppose scrapping care plans for children with special needs

The Education Select Committee in the UK recommends against eliminating individualized care plans (EHCPs) for children with special educational needs, calling for improved support standards, teacher training, and increased funding instead.

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What are the potential future implications of the committee's recommendations, and what challenges remain?

Implementing these recommendations could lead to improved outcomes for children with special needs, enhanced accountability for schools and local authorities, and a more financially sustainable Send system. However, successful implementation hinges on sufficient funding and the commitment of all stakeholders, including schools, health services, and local authorities.

bbc.com

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Sep 8, 19:21

Prisoner" parents protest lack of NI special needs services

Parents of children with special educational needs protested outside Stormont on Monday, highlighting insufficient daycare and support services, coinciding with the return of assembly members after summer recess.

Prisoner" parents protest lack of NI special needs services

Parents of children with special educational needs protested outside Stormont on Monday, highlighting insufficient daycare and support services, coinciding with the return of assembly members after summer recess.

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What are the potential long-term implications of the current situation and what steps are being taken to address them?

Continued lack of services could lead to increased caregiver burnout, hinder children's development, and exacerbate existing inequalities. While the Education Minister has proposed a significant funding request and acknowledged the challenges, the success hinges on securing the funding and timely project completion, with current infrastructure delays illustrating potential roadblocks.

theguardian.com

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Jul 13, 22:10

UK SEND Support Cuts Face Parental Backlash

Parents and educators criticize the UK government's potential cuts to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, citing lengthy delays in obtaining Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs), insufficient funding, and difficulties navigating the system, impacting children's educational...

UK SEND Support Cuts Face Parental Backlash

Parents and educators criticize the UK government's potential cuts to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, citing lengthy delays in obtaining Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs), insufficient funding, and difficulties navigating the system, impacting children's educational...

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What are the immediate consequences of the UK government's potential reduction of SEND support, based on the experiences shared in these letters?

The UK government's potential scaling back of special education needs and disabilities (SEND) support faces significant opposition from parents and educators. Parents describe the current system as difficult to navigate, citing lengthy delays and insufficient funding as major obstacles to securing necessary support for their children. This lack of support impacts children's educational outcomes; one parent notes their child's success with an EHCP, while others fear negative impacts without it.

theguardian.com

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Jul 7, 13:14

UK Government Faces Backlash Over Potential EHCP Support Cuts

The UK government is considering changes to support for children with EHCPs, prompting concerns from campaigners and opposition MPs about potential cuts, despite the government's claims of aiming to improve support.

UK Government Faces Backlash Over Potential EHCP Support Cuts

The UK government is considering changes to support for children with EHCPs, prompting concerns from campaigners and opposition MPs about potential cuts, despite the government's claims of aiming to improve support.

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What specific changes to the support system for children with EHCPs is the UK government considering, and what are the immediate consequences of this potential policy shift?

The UK government is considering changes to the support system for children with EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans), potentially reducing the provisions currently available. This follows recent controversies over welfare reform and has sparked concerns from campaigners and opposition MPs. The government insists it aims to improve support, but the early education minister, Stephen Morgan, wouldn't guarantee current provisions will remain.

theguardian.com

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Jun 13, 10:12

£5bn SEND Deficit Threatens to Bankrupt English Councils

Years of overspending on special educational needs in England has created a £5bn deficit, threatening to bankrupt numerous councils by March 2024 unless the government intervenes; a schools white paper proposes changes to reduce eligibility for support, but councils are skeptical of its effectivenes...

£5bn SEND Deficit Threatens to Bankrupt English Councils

Years of overspending on special educational needs in England has created a £5bn deficit, threatening to bankrupt numerous councils by March 2024 unless the government intervenes; a schools white paper proposes changes to reduce eligibility for support, but councils are skeptical of its effectivenes...

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What is the immediate impact of the £5bn SEND funding deficit on English councils?

England faces a "burning platform" of £5bn in special educational needs (SEND) debt, threatening insolvency for numerous councils by March 2024. The government's spending review offered no solution, leaving councils to potentially declare bankruptcy, impacting services and jobs.

bbc.com

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Apr 3, 10:12

Northern Ireland's Critical SEN Support Shortage Creates "Cliff Edge" Crisis

A severe staff shortage in Northern Ireland is creating a "cliff edge" crisis for young adults with Special Educational Needs (SEN), as there's only one support worker for every 880 students and no statutory support after age 19, highlighting the urgent need for system reform to mirror England's suc...

Northern Ireland's Critical SEN Support Shortage Creates "Cliff Edge" Crisis

A severe staff shortage in Northern Ireland is creating a "cliff edge" crisis for young adults with Special Educational Needs (SEN), as there's only one support worker for every 880 students and no statutory support after age 19, highlighting the urgent need for system reform to mirror England's suc...

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What are the immediate consequences of the extreme staff shortage for young people with SEN transitioning out of school in Northern Ireland?

A critical shortage of support staff for young adults with Special Educational Needs (SEN) leaving school in Northern Ireland is causing significant concern. The Education Authority (EA) has only one staff member for every 880 students, leaving many parents worried about their children's future care and support. This lack of support is particularly impactful for those with profound needs, such as Emily, who requires specialized care that may not be available after she leaves school.", "Parents of children with SEN are concerned about the lack of support available to their children after they leave school at age 19. The current system leaves young adults with SEN facing a "cliff edge" as there is no statutory pathway for further education or training, unlike in England. The inadequate number of transition coordinators and the tripling of young people needing support in the past two decades highlight the urgent need for system reform.", "The insufficient support for SEN students leaving school in Northern Ireland will likely lead to increased strain on families and healthcare systems. Without adequate planning and resources, young adults with SEN may experience a decline in their progress and well-being, potentially requiring more intensive and costly support in the future. The lack of a statutory plan similar to England's EHCP up to age 25 necessitates urgent legislative changes to secure a better future for these individuals.", Q1="What is the immediate impact of the severe staff shortage for students with SEN transitioning out of school in Northern Ireland?", Q2="What systemic issues contribute to the "cliff edge" problem faced by young adults with SEN upon leaving school in Northern Ireland, and what are the consequences?", Q3="What legislative or policy changes are needed in Northern Ireland to mirror the success of England's EHCP system in providing comprehensive support for students with SEN until the age of 25?", ShortDescription="In Northern Ireland, a severe shortage of support staff for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) leaving school is creating a "cliff edge" as there is no statutory support after age 19, unlike England's EHCP system; the Education Authority has only one staff member for every 880 students. ", ShortTitle="Northern Ireland Faces Critical Shortage of Support Staff for SEN School Leavers"))

dailymail.co.uk

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Sep 12, 04:15

Labour warns of SEND funding crisis, risks repeating welfare reform chaos

A think tank warns that the UK government's plan to curb spending on special educational needs (SEND) could lead to another political crisis, similar to the welfare reform chaos, as councils face an £8 billion deficit by 2027.

Labour warns of SEND funding crisis, risks repeating welfare reform chaos

A think tank warns that the UK government's plan to curb spending on special educational needs (SEND) could lead to another political crisis, similar to the welfare reform chaos, as councils face an £8 billion deficit by 2027.

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What are the potential political ramifications of the government's approach to SEND funding, and what alternative strategies might be considered?

The government's approach risks another backbench rebellion, mirroring the earlier welfare budget U-turn. Labour's upcoming white paper proposes shifting more special needs help to schools, avoiding external referrals. However, without addressing the underlying issues of sustainability and accountability, any reforms could face significant political challenges and may require substantial long-term investment in system transformation.

dailymail.co.uk

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Jul 22, 04:11

UK Government Urged to Protect Special Needs Entitlements Amidst Funding Crisis

The Disabled Children's Partnership urges the UK government against cutting special needs entitlements, citing rising costs, long wait times for support, and over \£100 million spent on failed legal challenges in 2022-23, while the government highlights its \£740 million investment to create more sp...

UK Government Urged to Protect Special Needs Entitlements Amidst Funding Crisis

The Disabled Children's Partnership urges the UK government against cutting special needs entitlements, citing rising costs, long wait times for support, and over \£100 million spent on failed legal challenges in 2022-23, while the government highlights its \£740 million investment to create more sp...

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What long-term implications could arise from insufficient funding and reforms to the UK's SEND system?

The UK government's SEND system overhaul, detailed in an upcoming white paper, risks further marginalizing children with special needs if not carefully managed. The DCP's recommendations to improve system efficiency through early intervention may be crucial to balancing financial constraints with children's needs. Failure to address these issues could lead to prolonged wait times, exacerbating the current crisis.

politico.eu

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Jul 8, 07:16

UK Government Plans Special Educational Needs Reform Following Welfare Backlash

The UK government is planning reforms to its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, aiming to improve support for 1.9 million children with special needs by increasing mainstream school support and reducing reliance on expensive private alternatives, after facing criticism for pre...

UK Government Plans Special Educational Needs Reform Following Welfare Backlash

The UK government is planning reforms to its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, aiming to improve support for 1.9 million children with special needs by increasing mainstream school support and reducing reliance on expensive private alternatives, after facing criticism for pre...

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What are the potential long-term consequences of the SEND reforms, considering the financial implications, potential impact on parents, and the political landscape?

Success of the SEND reforms hinges on navigating the complex political landscape and addressing the deep-seated anxieties among parents. The government's allocation of £760 million suggests a commitment to resource the changes; however, managing public perception will be crucial to avoid accusations of cost-cutting. Future success will depend on fostering trust and demonstrating that reforms genuinely improve support for children without placing additional burdens on families.

bbc.com

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Jul 7, 07:13

UK Government Faces Pressure to Maintain Education Plans for Children with Special Needs

The UK government is considering changes to education plans (EHCPs) for children with special educational needs, despite warnings from campaigners that this could deny thousands of children access to vital education; 638,745 EHCPs were in place in January 2025, a 10.8% increase year-on-year.

UK Government Faces Pressure to Maintain Education Plans for Children with Special Needs

The UK government is considering changes to education plans (EHCPs) for children with special educational needs, despite warnings from campaigners that this could deny thousands of children access to vital education; 638,745 EHCPs were in place in January 2025, a 10.8% increase year-on-year.

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What factors contributed to the increase in EHCPs and requests for assessments in recent years?

The controversy highlights a conflict between the government's aim to reform the SEND system and concerns that such reforms might jeopardize children's access to vital educational resources. The increase in EHCPs (up 10.8% to 638,745 in January 2025) and requests for assessments (up 11.8% in 2023) underscore the growing demand for SEND support, which the government's proposed changes threaten to curtail. The government claims that no decisions have been made, while also stating there are no plans to abolish Send tribunals or remove funding.

bbc.com

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May 15, 19:11

UK Teaching Assistant Jailed, Suspected of Abusing Over 81 Disabled Children

A UK teaching assistant, Daniel Clarke, was jailed for sexually abusing six children but is suspected of abusing "well over 81" children with special educational needs and disabilities, prompting a major police investigation into one of the most prolific sex offenders of recent times.

UK Teaching Assistant Jailed, Suspected of Abusing Over 81 Disabled Children

A UK teaching assistant, Daniel Clarke, was jailed for sexually abusing six children but is suspected of abusing "well over 81" children with special educational needs and disabilities, prompting a major police investigation into one of the most prolific sex offenders of recent times.

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How did Clarke exploit his position of trust to facilitate the abuse, and what systemic failures allowed this to occur?

Clarke's abuse involved taking children on trips and recording them in public toilets. He used "truth or dare" games to manipulate them into nudity and exposure to pornography. Police found numerous devices containing child sexual abuse material at his home, indicating a pattern of extensive abuse spanning several years.

theguardian.com

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Mar 30, 22:11

English Councils Face Insolvency Over £3.4 Billion Special Education Debt

Eighteen English councils face insolvency due to a £3.4 billion special educational needs deficit, projected to hit £5.2 billion in 12 months, caused by rising EHCP costs and insufficient capacity, forcing the government to decide whether to absorb the debt or extend an accounting override.

English Councils Face Insolvency Over £3.4 Billion Special Education Debt

Eighteen English councils face insolvency due to a £3.4 billion special educational needs deficit, projected to hit £5.2 billion in 12 months, caused by rising EHCP costs and insufficient capacity, forcing the government to decide whether to absorb the debt or extend an accounting override.

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What are the primary causes of the rapidly growing SEND deficit in England, and how have these factors interacted to create the current crisis?

The escalating SEND deficit, currently totaling £3.4 billion, is projected to increase by nearly £2 billion in the next 12 months, primarily driven by rising EHCP costs and insufficient special needs provision in state schools. At least 75 councils are at risk, with potential consequences including drastic cuts across all local services.

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