SEND
Wanted: A cross-party view on SEND
The unwillingness of either of the Government contenders to make future SEND spending commitments risks the problem not getting the pre-election focus it requires, says Greg Clark
Clark: Tories and Labour unwilling to address SEND crisis
Labour and the Conservatives have been accused of an ‘unwillingness’ to confront the crisis in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services.
An uplifting social alliance
Young people with learning disabilities want to work, but more supported internships are needed. To coincide with National Supported Internship Day, The MJ and DFN Project SEARCH held a round table debate to discuss how local authorities can help. Mark Whitehead reports.
Warwickshire probe over councillor SEND comments
Warwickshire CC has launched an investigation after a video showed councillors making disparaging remarks about children with special educational needs.
SEND soars ahead in Herts
Hertfordshire CC’s system-wide approach has made SEND everyone’s business, writes Hero Slinn.
MPs demand fundamental reform of council funding
The Government has been urged by a cross-party committee of MPs to address the ‘out-of-control financial crisis’ gripping councils.
Stockton’s winning digital formula
Stockton BC scooped the digital transformation award at The MJ Awards for its innovative approach to creating quality education, health and care plans. Cllr Lisa Evans reflects on the achievement.
Lyons: Where are we now?
The Lyons review of local government was published 17 years ago. If the inquiry recommendations had been put in place, would local government be in the position it is now? The MJ gathered a panel of experts – including Sir Michael Lyons – to ask just that. Michael Burton reports.
SEND school transport’s impossible situation
Suzanne Smith and Ann Carruthers set out recommendations to government from a report highlighting the unsustainable pressures councils face from the cost of providing SEND school transport.
Stormy waters ahead
Mark Conrad talks to three major groups of councils about what the provisional finance settlement means for each of them, and he considers the outlook for 2025 and beyond.
Partnerships will unlock potential of Oxfordshire’s children
Children and young people are at the heart of Oxfordshire’s partnership approach – a shared vision to give them the very best start in life, says Cllr John Howson.
Councils call for emergency school transport funding
‘Spiralling’ transport costs for children with special educational needs are threatening the financial stability of England’s largest councils, according to a report.
Counties will once again be turning to the chancellor for emergency funding
The Association of County Chief Executives will be supporting the County Councils’ Network on putting forward robust proposals for reforms in both children’s services and in home-to-school transport, says Joanna Killian.
Statutory direction for Slough BC
Slough BC has received a statutory direction from the Government after failing to improve its services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Record number of education, health and care plans made
A record number of new education, health and care (EHC) plans were made last year, latest figures have shown.
Bristol council faces 'huge financial risk'
Bristol City Council has been warned it must take urgent action over the spiralling cost of special educational needs and disabilities.
Forging the future of local government
Joanna Killian, the chief executive of Surrey CC and the newly-elected chair of the Association of County Chief Executives, sets out her objectives for local government.
Council to review governance failures
Devon CC is to embark on a governance review in a bid to tackle ‘serious, material, well-evidenced failures’.
New ADCS chief calls for cross-government children's plan
The new president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) has reiterated his organisation’s previous calls for a cross-government ‘ambitious strategic plan’ for children.
Kent receives improvement notice for SEND failings
An improvement notice has been issued to Kent CC after it failed to turn around its special educational needs and disability (SEND) services.
