In this blog, you will learn:
How digitising EHCP processes could dramatically reduce delays in school placements, according to this SEND Case Officer.
Why this SEND Case Officer believes the Schools White Paper is a significant step forward for inclusion and support in education.
This professionals thoughts on why the success of the Schools White Paper may depend on whether mainstream schools are on board with the reforms.
How to find and apply for the best local authority SEND jobs.
As part of the Schools White Paper titled ‘Every Child Can Achieve and Thrive,’ changes to the SEND system have been announced.
The Schools White Paper sets out major reforms to the SEND system and EHCP process, including workforce development, stronger SEND training and closer collaboration between schools, trusts and local authorities.
We spoke to a SEND Case Officer to get his thoughts on the Schools White Paper and the impact the redesigned system could have on the future of SEND provision.
From increased funding and earlier intervention to a more streamlined EHCP process, this SEND Case Officer explores how these reforms could improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Throughout this interview, we delve into why this SEND Case Officer believes the proposed changes are a significant step forward for inclusion and support in education.
What are your initial thoughts on the Schools White Paper and the direction it sets for the future of SEND provision?
My first impression is that the Schools White Paper is a positive step forward, with a clear focus on strengthening SEND support for the children who need it most.
The government proposes digitising EHCP processes and creating a more streamlined system. How realistic do you think this is in practice? What risks or benefits do you foresee?
In terms of digitising EHCP processes, I feel this will provide a more streamlined service, especially for children and young people who are moving between local authorities.
I think it is realistic, achievable and will be less time consuming than the current process where local authorities have to ‘adopt’ plans.
‘Adopting’ plans has often led to significant delays in children receiving school places, correct provision and services they require such as Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists.
I don’t foresee any particular risks in creating a more streamlined system and actually, I view it as a positive.
Do you think mainstream settings are currently equipped to meet the government's plans to improve inclusion and accessibility? What do you think needs to change?
No. I feel that the government proposal to increase funding for mainstream inclusion is positive and will enable schools to provide services more swiftly.
It will also allow them to create resource bases, which are currently oversubscribed and limited in some areas.
However, currently, there are not enough trained staff equipped with the right resources and materials to deliver these services.
The government wants all schools to join or form Multi-Academy Trusts. How might this structural change impact SEND delivery at a local level?
I think a joined-up approach will be really effective and promote inclusion and joined up working.
I also believe the government proposals that local authorities can have Multi-Academy Trusts will work well.
Do you feel the Schools White Paper adequately addresses current workforce pressures within schools and local authorities?
Yes, especially the reduction of the deficit which runs into millions in most local authorities.
In my opinion, SEND as a whole is understaffed across all areas. Additional funding will allow local authorities and schools to employ more staff.
How will early intervention plans and Alternative Provision reforms reduce demand for EHCPs and tribunal appeals over the long term?
Early intervention will allow schools and professionals to provide support in the early stages.
This can also prevent more tribunals in the future as children’s needs can be met with Alternative Provision and early intervention.
How do you think the School White Paper’s ambition for every child to ‘achieve and thrive’ could be realistically achieved in practice?
This ambition is realistic and can be provided through additional funding and training for schools, local authorities and professionals.
This will lead to better outcomes for children and enhanced support for those children most in need. This will also free up places in specialist schools.
How realistic do you think the proposals in the Schools White Paper are for improving attendance and reducing persistent absence for children with SEND?
I believe schools and local authorities will be able to develop more positive relationships with families of children with low attendance.
There will be a better structure of support and more provision on offer for those who need it.
What elements of the Schools White Paper surprised you the most?
The biggest surprise to me was that mainstream schools are being given more responsibility and more involvement in the identification and implementation of SEND.
I feel the proposals in the Schools White Paper are less child-centered than the current code and the Children and Families Act 2014.
Although I understand the reasoning behind moving from EHCPs to specialist provision packages, the current volume of EHCPs is already difficult to manage.
I am concerned this change could make it harder to put the right support in place for each child.
What elements of the Schools White Paper do you think are most at risk of failing?
The elements of the Schools White Paper that I think are most at risk of failing are getting schools on board with the changes, as well as finding and training staff.
There is already a lack of SEND staff at present, and this is increasing year on year, despite attempts to get professionals into the job with incentives.
I also think there are risks to reduced parental control over school choices and less ‘visible’ needs being identified.
Looking ahead, what do you think will be the most successful element of the Schools White Paper?
There are a lot of elements of the Schools White Paper that I think or hope will be successful. I think the most successful elements of the Schools White Paper will be:
Better inclusion.
Less tribunals.
Schools and local authorities working closely together.
Substantial investment in SEND provision.
More children receiving the correct level of support without the need for a full EHCP.
Clearer commitment and structured/layered system of support.
The creation of more specialist places.
A commitment to workforce training.
More of a focus on disadvantaged children.
Local authority SEND recruitment specialists
As award-winning SEND recruiters, we support local authority SEND services and private sector providers nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent staffing needs. Whether you require a single hire, multiple placements or an entire project team, simply request a call back and one of our experienced recruiters will contact you to discuss how we can help.
Looking for your next local authority SEND job? Either search the latest jobs or upload your CV and one of our consultants will be in touch when a suitable opportunity arises.