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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nasen launches new report on identifying SEN in the early years

nasen, a charitable membership organisation that exists to support and champion those working with, and for, children and young people with SEND and learning differences, has launched a new report.

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Whole School SEND (WSS) are looking for members to be part of an Impact Steering Group

Would you like to support the WSS delivery team achieving maximum reach and impact across the English school sector with WSS outputs? Applications are now open to join!

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2020 SEN Data is released

The publication provides data from the January 2020 school censuses on pupils with special educational needs (SEN).

Announcement of the nasen Early Years SENCO Chat series

nasen launches Early Years SENCO Twitter Chat

nasen is proud to announce that it has recently secured DfE funding to deliver a series of ten Early Years SENCO themed Twitter chats.

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Extension to temporary changes to SEND law for EHC Plans

On 29th June, the Secretary of State issued a notice to extend the temporary changes to the law on what provision has to be made currently for children and young people with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.

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The DfE is consulting on a revised version of the Schools Admissions Code

The current schools admissions code means that some schools are able to reject pupils with SEND, as places can be refused on the basis of ‘challenging behaviour’, even when such behaviours may be attributable to pupils’ SEND.

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Ministerial letter from DfE announcing the extension of the national trial

In April 2018, the Department for Education began a national trial to extend the powers of the SEND Tribunal to hear appeals, and make non-binding decisions about, health and social care aspects of Education, Health and Care plans.

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School Handbook for Dual and Multiple Exceptionality Launches

We are delighted to announce a new book as part of the nasen Spotlight series – The School Handbook for Dual and Multiple Exceptionality.

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Emerging Minds Research

Emerging Minds, a research network that aims to reduce the prevalence of mental health problems experienced by children and young people, are conducting a variety of research on how families are coping during COVID -19 pandemic...

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The changes to the law regarding Education, Health and Care Plans have been extended to 30th June

The temporary changes brought in from 1st May for one month have been extended until 30th June. The Department for Education will keep this under review and there may be a further extension if necessary.

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£37 million to support children with complex needs

In a press release published today, the Government have revealed that children with special educational needs and disabilities in England will benefit from £37.3 million of direct support in 2020-21, which is expected to help more than 75,000 families

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New publications released by government

‘Education, health and care plans’ and ‘Special educational needs: analysis and summary of data sources’ publications were released by the government regarding SEND.

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Public Accounts Committee Report on Support for Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

The Public Accounts Committee published its first report of Session 2019-21. There were 6 conclusions and recommendations

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Temporary legislative changes have been made to EHC needs assessments and plans relating to COVID-19

Aspects of the law on Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessments and plans have changed temporarily to give local authorities and other bodies who contribute to the EHC process more flexibility in responding to the demands placed on them by COVID-19.

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Consultation on exceptional arrangements for assessment and grading in 2020

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a range of exams and assessments in vocational and technical qualifications being cancelled as the result of schools, colleges and training providers closing.

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COVID-19: Important information and FAQs

COVID-19: Important information and FAQs

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New online classroom and resource hub now available

Oak National Academy, a new online classroom and resource hub, has launched to support teachers until schools re-open.

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COVID-19: SEND Risk Assessment Guidance

The DfE has issued guidance advising local authorities to conduct risk assessments and makes suggestions and recommendations for how that might be done in collaboration with educational settings and parents.

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Information on ‘school funding: exceptional costs associated with coronavirus’

The DfE has released guidance on the financial support being put in place for schools in the period March – July 2020.

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Awarding of GCSEs, AS and A levels in summer 2020

On Friday 3rd April, Ofqual set out details about how GCSE, AS and A levels will be awarded this summer and published further guidance for teachers, students, parents and carers.