SEND
The latest news, analysis, research and advice relating to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) sector
Today
3rd Nov 2026
SEND reform bill unlikely to be published until new year
Government adviser suggests bill will be published early in 2027 and also says the DfE is considering how it can create a curriculum 鈥榯hat young people can succeed in鈥�
Early years can break the cycle of poor numeracy, DfE told
Lords urge the government to focus on numeracy in the early years, invest in recruitment and make sure teachers are trained to identify dyscalculia
Thursday
29th Oct 2026
Government spends 拢5.8bn on SEND deficits
DfE confirms that 129 councils have received cash grant payments to clear 90 per cent of their deficits amid warnings that overspend will continue
DfE warned it must deliver long-term SEND funding plan
Council bosses say schools and local authorities need more certainty on the money that will be available to make the special educational needs reforms work
The film driving a campaign for a fairer approach to attendance
Motherland star Anna Maxwell Martin and the creators of Unauthorised Absence talk to 糖心Vlog about getting teachers鈥� input into the film, which shows how fines pit parents and schools against each other
Thursday
15th Oct 2026
3 ways MATs are using AI to tackle SEND pressures
Multi-academy trusts share how they are using artificial intelligence to support staff working with children who have special educational needs
Exclusive
Disadvantage gap at GCSE narrows but still above pre-pandemic level
The latest key stage 4 data reveals a marginal uptick in the national average at Attainment 8 and a record proportion of students being identified with SEND