✨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.

GenAI Tools in Local Government

Generative AI in local government must be more than innovation for innovation’s sake—it should drive real, measurable improvements to frontline practice and citizen outcomes.

Agilisys Transform has spent the past year working in partnership with Wigan Council to deploy a Generative AI-powered EHCP and Needs Assessment tool. This tool is reshaping how frontline teams engage with children, families, and adults—enhancing the quality and consistency of key interactions.

Hear from Tom, a Service Manager at Wigan Council, as he shares his experience of co-developing the tool with Agilisys, and what other councils should consider when choosing the right GenAI partner.​

👉Learn more about the impact at Wigan Council here: Transforming Wigan Council’s ASC team with Generative AI – Agilisys Transform

👉To request a free trial of the GenAI platform Note Taker, visit: Note Taker – Agilisys Transform

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Lack Of Funding And Staff Hinders SEND Inclusion In Schools

Staffing shortages and high workloads are notable barriers to inclusion for pupils with SEND. The National Education Union (NEU) survey highlights a predominant concern over the lack of resources and funding in schools, impacting the capacity to provide necessary support. Secondary schools face greater challenges, with 74% of SEND co-ordinators overwhelmed by workload.

While support staff demonstrate a strong understanding of improving SEND provision, inadequate staffing levels and insufficient training remain critical issues. Despite having a range of available resources, schools struggle due to the absence of behaviour support teams and essential services like educational psychologists. The NEU underscores the necessity for "serious investment" to address these growing issues, stressing that commitment and funding are imperative to meet the pressing needs after years of neglect.

SPECIAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Long Waits for Special Needs Assessments Frustrate Families in England

Children in England requiring SEND assessments face up to a two-year wait for support, a situation underlining systemic deficiencies. Government data reveals only half of the mandated EHCPs are issued within the required 20-week period, indicating severe inefficiencies. Parents are left navigating a burdensome and lengthy process, with many families denied assessments that are crucial for addressing complex conditions such as autism and ADHD.

The persistent delays and bureaucratic hurdles are leading to frustration among parents and advocates, as councils squander resources contesting appeals they frequently lose. The current state of SEND support highlights the urgent need for reform and investment to ensure timely and adequate assistance. The system's inability to provide necessary resources promptly exacerbates difficulties faced by children and their families, demanding immediate attention and action from policymakers.

SPECIAL EDUCATION CHALLENGES

Slough Council Grapples With EHCP Backlog Amid Rising Special Needs Demand

Slough Borough Council is grappling with an urgent issue concerning EHCPs for children with special educational needs. Despite an increase in the number of EHCPs being issued each month, the council faces significant challenges in meeting the 20-week assessment deadline due to a rising backlog. In December of the previous year, only one of 30 new EHCPs was completed on time, highlighting the scale of the problem. Although there has been recent progress in 2025, with approximately 23% of plans completed within the stipulated timeframe, the council anticipates this may improve further to over 50% by June.

The mounting demand for EHCPs is straining the council’s budget and necessitates additional government funding to prevent further financial deficits in educational services. Interim Director of Financial Management, Dave McNamara, underscores the critical need to secure more resources, as the demand continues to grow. The council has since approved a new special educational needs strategy to address these concerns and demonstrate progress ahead of anticipated inspections.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Council Case Study Insights - Agilisys EHCP Tool

Agilisys Transform are hosting an exciting upcoming webinar where you can learn about the fantastic benefits councils are realising from the Agilisys EHCP tool. ​

We know it is always important to hear from fellow councils about the innovative GenAI work they are doing so join us on 1st May to hear from one of the early adopting councils of our Agilisys EHCP tool.​

📅 Wed 1st May, 10-11am

📍Webinar CRISIS

EDUCATION FUNDING

Devon Council Supports Over 1,000 High Needs Learners in Further Education

SPECIAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT

Liverpool Allocates £37m For New SEN School In West Derby

SEND EDUCATION ISSUES

Bracknell Council Leaders To Address SEND Provision Concerns In April Meeting

EDUCATIONAL POLICY INQUIRY

MP James Frith Pushes For Improved Special Educational Needs Provision

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS 🗳️