SEN
A new Government provides the opportunity for long-term reform
The SEN system and the broken children’s social care residential market are the main drivers of cost for councils, and CCN will be proactively setting out its own case for reform of both as we gear up for a new Government, says Simon Edwards.
NCASC: Government must make 'some difficult decisions' on children's services
The Government must make ‘some difficult decisions’ if it is ‘not able or willing’ to provide funding to meet the financial pressures in children’s services, the Association of Directors of Children’s Services has said.
We’re ready for change
If we grasp the opportunity of reforms to the education, special educational needs and social care systems ahead of us we can make big improvements to children’s outcomes, says Steve Crocker.
SEN2: What the 2023 changes mean for local authorities
Moving the Special Educational Needs survey to a more detailed, person level return has significant benefits, but pain points are likely in the short term, says Gareth Copeland.
We need genuine reform of the system and extra funding
President of the Society of County Treasurers Chris Tambini says we are not in a perfect storm, 'but maybe next year that will be the case, given public finances are looking increasingly fragile'.
Keeping young people with SEN safe online
Buckinghamshire Council joined forces to create an educational game that teaches children and young people with special needs the skills to stay safe online, says Cllr Anita Cranmer.
Councils face record £2.4bn deficits in SEN this year
Local authority deficits in special educational needs (SEN) have reached an ‘unmanageable’ £2.4bn this year, new research has uncovered.
‘Significant inequities’ in SEN funding exposed
Differences of tens of millions in funding were found in areas with similar demographics, a report for the SEN Policy Research Forum has found.
County to review its SEN services following ombudsman investigation
Hampshire County Council has agreed to reviews its SEN services following an investigation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Looking at EHC plans in a post-COVID world
Natalie Kenneison argues that to understand the impact of COVID and whether enough money is available for high needs, quantitative information is required to show what is working and what is not.
Special needs provision in schools cut by over £1bn
Children and young people who have special educational needs and disabilities have lost out on £1.2bn of Government funding over the last four years.