THIS WEEK’S RADAR🎯

• AI Education: Agilisys runs free GenAI workshops for councils—Wigan leads the way

• Caseworker Event: Final spots open for UK GovTech x Agilisys SEND AI workshop in London

• Provision Shortfall: 80% of school leaders say they can’t meet SEND needs without more specialist support

• Local Investment: Derby commits £20m to add 400 new specialist SEND school places

• Learning Innovation: Cornwall’s Copper Fields School offers multisensory learning and tailored support

AI EDUCATION

🤖 Free AI workshops for your council​

Are you a local authority or school interested in exploring AI solutions but do not know where to start? ​

Agilisys are offering a suite of AI workshops for interested councils and schools all focused on bringing Generative AI to SEND, Children’s Services and Adult Social Care. ​This past week, they were at Wigan Council leading AI workshops for over 100 council staff on ways to safely and securely integrate AI into their council operations. ​

​Whether you are starting your AI journey or looking for ways to expand – have a look at the Agilisys website for the services and solutions they offer and feel free to fill out the form on the website mentioning your interest in a free AI workshop for your council or reach out to [email protected] ​

EVENT

📆 SEND Caseworker Day - LAST FEW SPOTS Available!

Are you a London-based SEND professional interested in AI but have not found an easily accessible training course on AI and how it can support your role? ​

UK GovTech x Agilisys have got the session for you! ​

We are hosting an in-person event for SEND caseworkers designed to help you get the most from our EHCP tool, build confidence in using generative AI, and connect with peers across other local authorities.​

This will be a practical and inspiring day focused on helping SEND professionals and those on the front line of children's services save time and support families even more effectively.

📍 Scale Space, White City, London,📅 13/05/2025 | 🕒 9:30 - 11:30am | Refreshments Included​

Please RSVP ​

SPECIAL NEEDS PROVISION

Mainstream Schools Struggle to Support SEND Pupils Amid Specialist Provision Shortage

Four in five school leaders report they are unable to meet the needs of SEND pupils due to severe shortages in specialist placements, funding, and suitably qualified staff. This crisis puts both schools and families under immense strain, with mainstream settings forced to absorb children needing specialist support but lacking adequate resources. Action is urgently required to identify and support these pupils, as failure to do so exacerbates educational inequality and staff burnout.

EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Farcet Special Needs School Proposal Blocked Over Serious Road Safety Concerns

Plans for a special needs school in Farcet were rejected due to insufficient evidence addressing critical road safety and accessibility issues, particularly a lack of proper drop-off facilities and concerns about traffic risks on Conquest Drove. Despite clear demand for special needs provision, safeguarding concerns prevailed. Local educational capacity and safety demand immediate scrutiny.

EDUCATION POLICY

Leicester Council Considers Changes to Post-16 SEND School Transport Funding

Leicester City Council proposes to restrict post-16 SEND school transport funding, now offering support mainly to those with complex needs and providing a personal transport budget of 45 pence per mile plus £500 annually. This urgent measure addresses a projected funding shortfall of £68m by 2027-28. Stakeholders must understand these changes will significantly impact vulnerable families relying on council-funded transport.

SPECIAL NEEDS PROVISION

Derby Invests £20m To Create 400 Additional SEND School Places

Derby City Council has committed £20 million to create 400 new specialist school places for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities over the next two years. This investment addresses the severe strain on local SEND provision by improving existing facilities and accessibility, aiming to keep more children in their communities. Timely action is essential as demand continues to outpace government funding, posing significant risks for affected families.

EDUCATION FUNDING PRESSURE

Growing Special Needs Demand Stretches Havering Council’s Cash-Strapped Resources

Havering Council faces mounting pressure from a rapidly increasing population of children with special educational needs, despite nearly £26 million invested in children’s services and significant government bailouts. Demand for specialist education, particularly for autism, is outstripping local capacity, exacerbating assessment backlogs. Immediate expansion of specialist placements is critical for the borough’s sustainability.

SPECIAL EDUCATION INITIATIVES

Cornwall School Provides Multisensory Learning For Pupils With Additional Needs

Copper Fields School in Cornwall addresses the urgent need for specialist education for autistic children and those with complex learning needs, offering tailored support with clinical professionals and immersive, multisensory experiences. Its holistic approach targets pupils who have struggled in mainstream education, prioritising individual resilience and real-world skill development. The facility’s comprehensive setting and therapeutic strategies provide an essential framework for children often underserved by conventional schooling.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS 🗳️