News

Keep up to date with all of the latest news, headlines and features from across the SEND sector.

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News listing

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Lawyers send open letter to the Government urging rethink on SEND system reforms

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) have published a letter calling on the Government to rethink reform of the SEND system and instead review the wealth of evidence on how and why the 2014 reforms have not worked as intended.

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Mental Health decline in young people accelerated by pandemic, claims new report

The COSMO study (COVID Social Mobility and Opportunities), undertaken by University College London, has released its latest figures around the mental health of young people.

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Open letter to Ofsted from early years professionals highlights concerns

An open letter, co-ordinated by Early Education and supported by the Early Years Alliance, has been sent to Ofsted expressing concerns around their early years review: ‘Best start in life part 1: setting the scene’. 

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National Deaf Children’s Society launches professional community

The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) has launched a professional community for those working with deaf children and their families.

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‘Significant weaknesses’ in local area SEND arrangements 

From May 2016 Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have carried out a programme of local area SEND inspections and the data from these has been released.

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Parents of children with SEND in year 1 wanted for important survey

The National Children’s Bureau, in collaboration with NatCen Social Research, are developing a new survey on behalf of the Department for Education.

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Students with Vision Impairment locked out of post-16 education claims new report

A new report by the Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) claims that the lack of access to support and resources for students with Vision Impairment  is locking them out of further and higher education.

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Ofsted to review careers guidance across all phases of education

Ofsted has launched a year-long review of careers guidance in mainstream and specialist settings, colleges, and skills providers.

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Free webinar on Supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing through Poverty Proofing

A free webinar on Tuesday 22nd November at 4pm organised by Partnership for Children and Children North East will look at how schools can support children’s mental health and wellbeing through poverty proofing.

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‘Let Teachers SHINE’ competition opens

SHINE, an education charity helping disadvantaged children in the North of England, has launched its ‘Let Teachers SHINE’ competition for this year.

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Children’s Commissioner champions children’s voice to inform SEND review

The Children’s Commissioner, Rachel De Souza, has released a report entitled ‘Beyond the labels – a SEND system that works for every child every time’.

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Ministerial Portfolios Announced

The new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak MP, has assembled his new cabinet to fulfil the duties of the government. Education sees new ministers at all levels for the third time in as many months.

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New prize fund launched for innovative ideas to transform education

A £1 million prize fund is being launched aimed at funding new projects to transform education and learning in the UK.

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Anti-Bullying Week 14-18th November

A new app by Microsoft, Seeing AI, has been released in numerous language formats with features that make the world accessible for all.

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New app makes the world accessible for all

A new app by Microsoft, Seeing AI, has been released in numerous language formats with features that make the world accessible for all.

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More early speech and language support needed as a result of the lockdowns

Analysis by the BBC shows that the number of reception and year 1 pupils requiring speech and language support at school has risen by 10%.

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Participants needed for study into language interventions for Autistic people

A new study organised by University College London (UCL) and the Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE) is looking for participants to share their views on language interventions for autistic people.

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UK Disability History Month launches next week

UK Disability History Month 2022 is to have an online launch on Thursday 17th November.

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New guidance on trauma-informed practice within schools

The UK government have this month published guidance on the working definition of trauma-informed practice.

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Mental Health Week Taskmaster Challenge announced

Place2Be, the children’s mental health charity have announced a link up with the popular Channel 4 show Taskmaster as part of their activities to promote Children’s Mental Health Week 2023 (6-12 February).