Improving SEND Provision: Solutions for Better Outcomes From a SEN Case Officer
12 Mar, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- Practical solutions for improving SEND provision and ensuring the best outcomes.
- How government reforms and policy changes may impact SEND services.
- Where the latest SEND Case Officer jobs are and how to apply for them.
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) sector is potentially facing significant changes in the next 12 months, with new government policies aimed at improving SEND provision.
With funding constraints and rising demand, professionals working in local authorities are hoping for positive change and meaningful opportunities to create a more inclusive education for children and young people with SEND.
In this interview, we explore the career journey of a SEND Case Officer with over 11 years of teaching experience and 2 years as an accredited SENCO. This SEN Case Officer is an advocate for children and young people with SEND and works with parents, SENCOs, and multi-agency teams to create the best possible outcomes.
Throughout this interview, you’ll discover this SEN Case Officer's thoughts on the most effective legislative changes in 2025 and her own solutions to improve SEND provision and provide better support going forward.
Tell us about your career journey so far and your current role?
Following my lifelong ambition to become a Teacher, I pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Primary Education with a specialism in Special Inclusive Education. I then embarked on a teaching career, working as a primary school Teacher for nearly 11 years. During the final two years of my teaching journey, I took on the role of SENCO and obtained the National Award for SEN.
I later transitioned from teaching to become a SEN Case Officer, where I currently manage a diverse caseload of both pre and post-16 students, working closely with families, SENCOs, and professionals across education, health, and social care.
My role involves overseeing complex and vulnerable cases, ensuring compliance with Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) legislation, and securing appropriate educational placements. It requires a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children with EHCPs, as well as empowering families in decision-making.
By building effective relationships with stakeholders and ensuring rigorous case management, I strive to deliver the best outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
What are your main duties as a SEN Case Officer?
My key responsibilities as a SEN Case Officer include:
- Managing a designated patch list for children and young people with significant needs.
- Monitoring cases daily to ensure EHCPs are issued and maintained within statutory timeframes.
- Chairing annual reviews and contributing to multi-agency meetings, including children in need, child protection strategy, elective home education, (EHE) and education otherwise than at school (EOTAS).
- Handling follow-up casework from mediation and tribunals.
- Making referrals to support services such as Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and health professionals.
How has SEND provision changed over the past 12 months and where do you see it heading in 2025?
Over the past year, SEND provision in England has undergone significant changes, primarily driven by escalating demand and financial pressures. There’s been a rise in the number of children and young people with EHCPs and pupils requiring SEN support.
Despite funding growing from £5.3 billion in 2014-15 to £9.4 billion in 2024-25, many local authorities struggle with deficits and these pressures will likely result in changes in policy as well as more emphasis on early intervention and inclusion.
The 2025 Labour government has introduced several educational reforms, such as integrating more SEND provisions into mainstream schools. How do you think these changes will affect SEND services?
I think it all depends on how Labour addresses key challenges faced by local authorities and if they are effective or not. Successfully promoting inclusivity and meeting the needs of diverse learners in mainstream schools requires investment in staff training and resources.
While it's good that there has been an increase in SEND funding, it's unclear whether it is enough to meet the current demands. I think the 2014 SEND Code of Practice needs to be reassessed to help local authorities manage caseloads and ensure better outcomes for children and young people.
What legislation or policy changes will have the biggest impact on SEND in 2025?
I think there is potential for policy training and system changes that better align with Labour’s reforms and I think my caseload might shift if there is an emphasis on quicker processing, mediation, and inclusion-focused school support. Standardising EHCPs and improving Alternative Provision would lead to clearer guidance and expectations, but may require adjustments in how plans are drafted and my work with schools to ensure consistency.
With increased funding for SEND services, local authorities might be able to ease the pressure from the EHCP backlog by expanding specialist placements and support services. I think a more inclusive curriculum and training for schools may impact my work with schools and accommodate a wider range of needs effectively.
Labour’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill has the potential to strengthen mental health support in schools and improve early intervention, which could reduce the number of EHCP applications driven by unmet emotional and mental health needs.
While these reforms could improve support for children and young people with SEND, they may also bring additional workload and administrative changes for Case Officers.
What are the most pressing challenges facing SEND provisions today and how can they be addressed?
Labour’s policies are all about making education more inclusive and providing better support for SEND students, but it's difficult for councils to make this a reality especially when there are financial constraints. Labour’s success will depend on effective implementation and long-term investment in SEND services.
The SEND system is facing several challenges that impact local authorities, schools, and families. The number of children with EHC plans has risen sharply, increasing pressure on local authorities and specialist schools. Many mainstream schools lack the capacity or expertise to meet complex needs which can be improved by providing better SEND training for all school staff and expanding specialist provisions.
A big challenge for SEND services right now is that many councils are stuck with huge funding deficits, making it hard to provide proper support. Councils need more than just policies, they need better funding and support to navigate these challenges effectively.
I think we need long-term funding that is ‘needs-best’ instead of short-term and barely scratches the surface. On a bigger scale, improving national funding could help evenly distribute SEND funding so every area gets what it actually needs. Having national SEND standards and shared best practices across local authorities would ensure consistency as well as the quality and availability of SEND support across regions.
Many councils struggle to meet the 20-week statutory timeframe for EHCPs due to backlogs. This delays crucial support for children which could be solved with an increase in funding for Educational Psychologists to speed up assessments.
Many young people with SEND struggle with the transition from school to further education, employment, or adult social care due to a lack of appropriate support. It’s important to expand supported internships, apprenticeships, and vocational pathways for young people with SEND.
Strengthening partnerships between education providers, employers, and local authorities, could result in improvements in transition planning and improve access to social care and post-16 EHCP support.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your SEND career and how did you overcome them?
When I was a SENCO I experienced funding challenges, so I optimised existing resources and borrowed specialised equipment from a local specialist school’s borrowing library. I also ensured I only applied for EHCPs when necessary. I also fostered an honest approach with parents; clearly explaining funding limitations while demonstrating a commitment to their child’s learning helped build an effective working relationship.
As a SEN Case Officer I have experienced frustrated parents so I am always transparent. Parents appreciate honesty and real-time updates on EHCP timelines and decisions helps reduce dissatisfaction and complaints.
Implementing open, honest communication helps me as a SEND professional to build stronger relationships with families while ensuring the best possible outcomes for children with SEND.
How might SEND provision change under Labour’s government?
Labour’s reforms will likely focus on strengthening mainstream provision, reforming EHCP processes, and improving funding accountability. However, success will depend on adequate investment and clear implementation plans.
Labour has signalled a shift towards strengthening SEND provision within mainstream schools, reducing reliance on specialist placements where possible. Labour has also pledged to improve post-16 pathways for young people with SEND and may seek to streamline EHCP processes and reduce the backlog of cases.
While Labour aims to integrate more SEND support into mainstream settings, they need to also recognise the need for more specialist school places.
What’s your vision for the future of SEND services and what changes would you like to see in 2025?
The ideal future for SEND services would be one where early intervention, inclusion, and specialist support are balanced effectively. A well-functioning system would be fair, well-funded, consistent, and transparent so every child can receive the right support without any unnecessary delays.
There are a few key changes I’d like to see this year including:
- Early intervention should be a priority. Many children only receive support after they reach crisis point, leading to a reliance on EHCPs.
- A fair and sustainable funding model. Currently high-needs funding is inconsistent and seeps into other areas of the school budget so many councils face unsustainable deficits.
- Improved and meaningful mainstream inclusion with real support that isn’t just a cost-saving exercise.
- A more efficient and transparent EHCP process, so parents won’t feel they have to fight for an EHCP due to inconsistent decision-making.
- Reduced tribunal and mediation battles to prevent families from being forced into legal disputes.
- While inclusion is important, more specialist provision is needed for children that require specialist environments to thrive.
- Better post-16 and preparing for adulthood support for young people with SEND struggle with the transition to adulthood.
What advice would you give to aspiring SEND professionals?
SEND work can be emotionally challenging but making a difference in children’s lives is incredibly rewarding and having self-care strategies in place is essential!
SCG educational psychology report
As specialists in SEND recruitment, we work alongside hundreds of Educational Psychologists throughout the UK and are mindful of the challenges they face in their ever evolving role.
After commissioning our own research from Educational Psychologists in both local authorities and private practice, we published the SCG Educational Psychology Workforce Insights Report 2024.
The report delves into trends within educational psychology, funding and resources, industry challenges, policies and legislation and the future of educational psychology.
Read the SCG Educational Psychology Workforce Insights Report 2024 here.
SEND Case Officer jobs
If you’re searching for your next SEND Case Officer job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Recruit SEND Case Officers
As specialist local authority SEND recruiters, we support local authorities nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent staffing needs.
If you’re struggling to recruit, we have exclusive access to some of the most experienced SEND Case Officers in the UK.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with one of our team to see how we can help?
- South of the UK - Richard Shorrock
- Midlands & North of the UK - Adam Zyda
Share your experience
Every individual brings a unique set of experiences, thoughts, and insights to the table. We believe in giving a voice to a community of professionals to inspire positive change and champion reform in the SEND sector.
If you work in the SEND sector and would like to share your own personal and professional experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Perhaps you have a different perspective, could offer a fresh angle, or want to challenge assumptions.
Simply reach out to our Head of Content, Nicole Sherwood, to discuss a collaboration which makes your voice count.
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations.
In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
