✨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.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

How Does the Agilisys Transform Team Work with SEND Teams Across the UK?

We are spotlighting how the EHCP Plus team works directly with local councils and SEND professionals across the UK to co-develop the Agilisys EHCP tool that powers the EHCP Plus collaboration ​

By involving real users at every stage - caseworkers, SENCOs, families - the team are reducing drafting time and building solutions that make a real difference on the ground.​

Hear from Margherita, EHCP Plus Product Manager as she shares some of her insights on how the team worked with individuals across the SEND community from caseworkers to parent-carer forums to establish EHCP Plus and how the collaboration is rooted in solving on-the-ground problems in the SEND community.

SPECIAL EDUCATION CONCERNS

Mum Quits Job Due to Delays in SEND School Placement

The plight of Kim Hind, who quits her job to care for her son Harvey due to delays in securing a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school place, highlights systemic failures. Harvey, four, experiences sight and hearing loss that mainstream nursery cannot accommodate, forcing him into isolation. The bureaucratic inertia has resulted in a gruelling 18-month wait for his Education, Health and Care Plan, exceeding the legal 20-week timeline intended to provide vital support. This delay exemplifies a growing national issue: demand for SEND resources outstrips supply, as evidenced by a 42% increase in EHC plans in North West England over five years.

Lancashire County Council is criticised for failing to meet its obligations, despite promises of improvement. Local charities claim that the delays disproportionately impact families with disabled children, who were hardest hit during the pandemic. An Ofsted inspection flagged significant concerns about the authority's handling of SEND provisions. As Harvey finally approaches his special educational provision school in September 2025, questions remain about the current lack of support available for other children experiencing similar challenges.

EDUCATION CAPACITY CRISIS

Special Schools Struggle With Overcrowding As Demand Surges

The demand for special school places in England has surged, leaving the system overwhelmed, as reported by the BBC. Department for Education figures revealed a shortfall of 8,000 places last year, amid a 25% rise in students needing special education. Despite a government pledge of £740m to create 10,000 new places within mainstream schools, gaps persist due to two-thirds of special schools operating at or above capacity.

The Public Accounts Committee highlighted systemic failings including inadequate funding and red tape that undermine the SEND system. With mainstream schools offering minimal SEN units, the government is urging local authorities to improve inclusive education. This aims to address children's needs earlier, focusing specialised efforts on pupils with complex requirements. The situation necessitates urgent reforms to bridge the provision gap and optimise educational outcomes for students with special needs.

SEND DEFICIT CRISIS

Government Announces Plans to Tackle £6bn SEND Deficit Crisis

The government is addressing a significant £6bn deficit in SEND funding set to bring forth crucial plans later this year. The cessation of the statutory override in March 2026 will necessitate councils to incorporate these deficits into their balance sheets, potentially leading to a heightened financial strain. The urgency of the situation demands prompt and effective solutions to avert a deepening crisis in education finance.

Councils have been criticised for inadequately managing their finances, with the National Audit Office underlining persistent weaknesses. This financial turmoil requires strategic intervention, with councils possibly exploring new avenues to stabilise budgets. The Chancellor's forthcoming Autumn Statement will be pivotal, as local governments anticipate guidance on navigating these fiscal challenges. Immediate attention and proactive measures are imperative to ensure financial resilience and continuity in educational and social service provision.

UPCOMING EVENTS

We have 2 more upcoming events where you can learn about the fantastic benefits councils are realising from EHCP Plus. ​Added bonus: A council using the Agilisys EHCP tool that powers EHCP Plus will be on the webinar! ​

Press the images below to sign up! ​

📅Wed 16th April, 10-10:45am – Deep Dive for Digital and SEND Leaders ​

📅Wed 23rd April 10-10:45am – Council Case Study Insights 

SEND EDUCATION REFORM

MP Demands Swift Action For Norfolk SEND Education Reform

EDUCATION FUNDING

Liverpool SEND Schools Receive Over £17 Million in Government Funding

EDUCATION FUNDING

Funding Boost For SEND School Places In Swindon And Wiltshire

SEND

SEND Network Announcement

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - EDUCATION FUNDING

£740 Million for 10,000 SEND School Places Marks Urgent Educational Reform

The UK government's allocation of £740 million to support 10,000 new school places for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is a crucial step in addressing the significant gaps in the current educational framework. This funding aims to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of mainstream and special schools, allowing more children to receive education close to home. With fewer than one in ten mainstream schools equipped with specialist units, this investment seeks to bridge the gap by adapting existing facilities and ensuring inclusive support environments through the use of assistive technology and breakout spaces.

This initiative is part of a broader £1 billion plan to accommodate 44,500 additional mainstream school places by 2028, reflecting a strong commitment to improving educational opportunities irrespective of students' backgrounds. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasises that this funding is crucial for providing the right school places, breaking the link between children's backgrounds and their opportunities. The reform aims to meet the escalating demand for SEND provisions and is designed to ensure the early identification and support of children’s needs, ultimately enhancing their educational outcomes.

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