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Your Weekly EHCP Newsletter | Volume 13

📣 Missed the Webinar? Catch Up on EHCP Plus Highlights

Author

Rafe Houston
April 03, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

EHCP

✨Welcome to the EHCP Community Newsletter✨

We’re thrilled to have you as part of this exclusive community of professionals dedicated to transforming the EHCP process. As champions of innovation in SEND services, you’re at the forefront of shaping how AI can support better outcomes for children, families, and caseworkers alike.

In our weekly newsletter you will find curated articles, thought pieces, success stories, and expert insights to help you understand how new types of technology and training can SEND services.

To ensure you never miss an edition, please add [email protected] to your contact list.

WEBINAR RECAP

The Winter Cohort Insights session on 2nd April was packed with energy, frontline insights, and powerful takeaways on how councils are using GenAI to transform the EHCP process.​

Here’s what you missed:​

A national SEND system in crisis — rising demand, staff burnout, and a projected £3.9bn funding gap by 2027/28​. Real world results include:

  • 800+ hours saved​ across 23 councils.

  • 60% average time saved per plan​

  • £1m indicative savings for one council​

  • 400+ children supported so far

💬 What caseworkers are saying:​

~ “Every time I use it, the output is better, I get faster using it, and it saves me more time.”​
~ “I don’t think I can go back to not using the tool – I’ve become reliant on it now.”​
~ “Section A was always the worst bit to write, and the tool does it so well now.”​

EDUCATION FUNDING

£740 million is allocated to create 10,000 new SEND school places, addressing urgent gaps in provision and supporting children to thrive locally. This investment focuses on enhancing mainstream and special schools, improving inclusion, and meeting local demand, with significant implications for policymakers.

EDUCATION CRISIS

The increasing demand for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support in England is straining schools and local councils. An exclusive survey reveals that fewer than 10% of parents believe their children’s needs are adequately addressed, highlighting a pressing systemic failure. The severe shortfall in the provision of education health care plans indicates an urgent need for reform.

EDUCATIONAL EXPANSION

A new SEND School will open in Hereford following approval by Herefordshire Council to convert Impact House, addressing a shortfall of 400 SEND places. Pathway Schools Limited will operate the school, accommodating 25 pupils with support from 10 staff members, enhancing educational provisions for children with special needs.

EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT

The Derry City and Strabane District Council supports a plan to assess establishing a university in Derry for young adults aged 19-30 with special educational needs, addressing a lack of third-level education options. This initiative responds to growing demands to extend educational and employment pathways beyond age 19, aiming to integrate therapeutic, life skills, and employment training into the curriculum.

Hi all, I’m Sarah - a former SEND Caseworker and now a SEND Advisor with Agilisys Transform helping create the next generation of AI tools for improving SEND provision. I was not always involved in SEND, as previously I was an editor of children’s educational books. I developed a passion for children’s learning and development so later re-trained and became a teacher in a special school. Following this, I worked as a SEND Caseworker/EHC Plan Writer for around 12 years. As a teacher and caseworker, my main focus has always been in improving outcomes for children with SEND and their families.

Reflecting on the journey of EHCP Plus, I’m proud of how far Gen AI has come in developing tools that empowers and frees up times for caseworkers and so supporting SEND departments in local authorities with statutory deadlines. The goal of a GenAI tool was to reduce the time spent on EHCP drafting, allowing caseworkers to focus more on children and families. Developed in partnership with local authorities and shaped by feedback, EHCP Plus enhances the caseworker’s role, ensuring tailored outputs that match each LA’s specific template, style, and terminology. This results in clearer, more consistent, and accurate plans that reflect the child’s needs and the views of families and professionals, while streamlining the drafting process. Feedback from trialists shows EHCP Plus is already making a real difference to LA SEND Departments.​

SEND CAPACITY ISSUES

Scarborough’s schools lack capacity for SEND students, prompting calls for North Yorkshire Council to enhance local provisions. Despite ongoing discussions, no significant progress has been made, while a £20.5m capital programme aims to develop specialised places countywide. Immediate action is crucial to ensure education within local communities.

EDUCATION POLICY

Swindon Borough Council is considering ending free transport for 16-18 year-olds with SEND due to financial challenges, sparking concerns from parents. An ongoing public consultation seeks input, reflecting the potential impact on families navigating educational commitments without adequate transport support. Urgent discussions with the government for additional funding continue.

SEND SERVICES CHALLENGES

Ofsted's report praises Brent Council's SEND services for timely and effective support, resulting in positive outcomes for children. However, significant delays in updating EHCPs and specialist neurodevelopment assessments require urgent attention to reflect current needs accurately. Addressing these gaps is crucial to ensuring comprehensive care and preventing service bottlenecks.

SPECIAL EDUCATION DEFICIT

The shortage of 8,000 special education places in England's secondary schools for pupils with SEND underscores an urgent need for action, with two-thirds of schools at or over capacity. Government plans to invest £740m to create 10,000 additional places are crucial to addressing this deficit. The situation demands immediate attention to ensure every child receives the necessary educational support.

UPCOMING EVENTS

📅 Wed 16th April, 10:00 – 10:45AM BST​ | Digital & SEND Leaders Deep Dive

📅Wed 23rd April, 10:00 – 10:45AM BST | Council Case Study Insights – ​

📩  For more information, get in touch with [email protected] or head over to Agilisys website.