Tuesday
Impact of huge rise in ASN numbers highlighted by teachers
Teachers ‘struggle to deal with the diverse demands placed upon them’, warns EIS union as it points to the stress and workload associated with additional support needs
Empty churches could be used for pupils with SEND, says Reform
A working group on tackling the SEND crisis is launched by Reform UK, to be led by former DfE minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns
6 ways to identify pupils’ needs early
When we notice and act on pupils’ needs quickly, it can make a huge difference, says Anne Heavey, but teachers must have the right support to be able to do this well
Friday
SEND spending favours mainstream ‘at expense of special schools’
Leaders question government decision to drop special and alternative provision free schools amid pressure for specialist places
Don’t overestimate resource base savings, heads warn Labour
Leaders question education secretary’s suggestion that creating more specialist places in mainstream schools will address SEND cost pressures outlined in Budget
Thursday
£3bn for mainstream SEND places, but special free schools face uncertainty
DfE announces plans to create 50,000 new specialist places but up to 77 free school projects could be replaced, with councils getting funding instead
SEND appeals hit record high
The latest data shows that 99 per cent of SEND tribunal cases found in parents’ favour, as the government sets out its aims for SEND reforms
Ofsted warns against ‘inflexible’ school rules for pupils with SEND
Too many students with SEND are leaving the school system because of ‘missed opportunities’ to identify their needs early on, says watchdog’s report
