Children with special educational needs could lose ‘vital’ support

The government has been urged to retain education, health and care plans (EHCPs) for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Ministers have so far refused to rule out scrapping the education plans, but campaigners argue they provide children with special educational needs with “vital provision,” and “precious legal protections.” When...

Plans to reform SEND support

The government has announced new plans to reform support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England. Plans announced by the Department for Education, which aim to improve SEND support and the alternative provision system, include earlier diagnoses and a commitment to build 33 more special free schools....

Children with SEND disproportionately affected by pandemic

A new report from Ofsted has revealed that children and young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) have been disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The report contains the findings of joint visits made to local areas by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) during the autumn term of 2020 and...