Specialist Sector

Monday

8th Apr 2024

Lib Dems call for creation of national SEND agency
Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey launches new plan to end ‘postcode lottery’ of special needs provision
Lib dems

Tuesday

26th Mar 2024

Trusts named to run 30 new special free schools
But the DfE says the process of finding a trust sponsor will need to be repeated in three cases after suitable trusts were not identified to run the schools
Trusts have been named to run 30 special free schools which were given approval last year.

Thursday

21st Mar 2024

Two-thirds of special schools full amid SEND crisis
There were around 4,000 more pupils on roll than there were places for 2022-23, DfE capacity data shows
Two-thirds of special schools full amid SEND crisis

Friday

15th Mar 2024

Ex-minister concerned over £2.6bn SEND funding
Education Select Committee chair calls on government to clarify progress made towards providing 30,000 new places for pupils with additional needs
Education select committee chair on Send funding

Monday

4th Mar 2024

SEND: Hunt urged to increase funding for school places
In a letter seen by Tes, the education committee chair writes to the chancellor ahead of the Spring Budget setting out the need for more funding for pupils with SEND
Robin Walker Budget
Exclusive

Thursday

29th Feb 2024

Some autistic pupils have to ‘fail’ to get support, MSPs told
Inquiry into additional support for learning hears of families who do not feel that their autistic child is included in mainstream school
Some autistic pupils have to ‘fail’ to receive support, MSPs told

Wednesday

21st Feb 2024

‘Explosion’ in ASN numbers sees schools struggling
More staff and better training urgently needed to help pupils with additional support needs – even coffee shops set the bar higher for mandatory training, Additional Support for Learning Inquiry hears
ASN SUPPORT

Friday

26th Jan 2024

‘Crisis’ as alternative provision demand surges
Tes investigation reveals huge surge in demand for pupil referral unit places amid concern over ‘extreme’ behaviour and lack of specialist support
‘Crisis’ as alternative provision demand surges
Exclusive

Friday

27th Oct 2023

‘Cost-cutting suspicion’ after DfE SEND contract rewrite
DfE faces questions after original SEND contract notice said government reforms would address the ‘cost burden’ caused by demand for services
ECHP cost cutting agenda
Exclusive

Wednesday

25th Oct 2023

Additional support for learning inquiry launched in Scotland
Teachers and pupils are encouraged to share views on school and local authority ASN services before deadline at the end of December
ASN classroom support

Thursday

19th Oct 2023

Keegan: ‘Fortune’ spent on ‘lose-lose’ SEND situation
Education secretary Gillian Keegan describes SEND as being in a ‘lose-lose-lose situation’ with the Treasury, councils and service users all dissatisfied
Gillian Keegan on SEND

Wednesday

11th Oct 2023

SNP to debate delaying school for profoundly disabled children
Parents of children with profound disabilities should be given more control over the ‘daunting prospect’ of them starting Primary 1, the SNP annual conference will hear
Braille reading