August 2024
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This conference discussed next steps for SEND provision in England..
Bringing together stakeholders and policymakers, it was an opportunity to discuss priorities and key considerations for the new Parliament in supporting those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Areas for discussion in the conference included:
- moving towards a SEND system which is easier to navigate and able to provide a positive experience for SEND students and their families
- raising national standards and professional guidelines
- approaches to improving transitions and preparations for adulthood for those with SEND, including the role of supported internships
- the way forward for accountability measures, including implementation of Ofsted and CQC’s new inspection framework so far and priorities going forward
- the future for education, health and care (EHC) plans and local plans for inclusion, including the role of SEND and AP partnerships, alongside local authority collaboration
Delegates examined strategies for developing a more joined-up approach within the SEND system, including priorities for improving cooperation between local government, the education sector and health and social care in the provision of EHC plans. They also considered funding requirements for local authorities and service providers, as well as key issues moving forward for providing value for money.
Improving the attainment, experiences and outcomes of learners with SEND was also discussed, with attendees looking at mainstream settings and learners in alternative provision and specialist schools, as well as early years identification and interventions for children, and support priorities for parents and carers.
The agenda brought out latest thinking on priorities for the SEND workforce, looking at strategies for improving recruitment and retention, and upskilling and development options for the existing workforce. We also expected discussion to consider the new SENCo National Professional Qualifications, as well as qualification options more widely.
Looking at improving progression, delegates also assessed the impact of level 3 qualifications reform on preparing young people with SEND for further education and employment, and strategies to recruit and support learners with SEND in apprenticeship roles. Attendees looked at examples of best practice for supporting learners with SEND in their transition into adulthood, including provision of high quality careers guidance, supported internship programmes and access to qualifications.
Further sessions considered the progress of the new Ofsted and CQC Area SEND Inspection Framework and the impact of changes to SEND service inspections. There was a focus on key areas which require improvement, the experience of parents and carers under the new framework and the level of service that inspectors consider to be acceptable.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Amanda Allard, Director, Council for Disabled Children; and Strategic Director, Practice and Programmes, National Children’s Bureau; Annamarie Hassall, Chief Executive, Nasen; Matthew Walker, Senior Research Manager, National Foundation for Educational Research; and Lillian Flemons, Research Manager, National Foundation for Educational Research.
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DfE; Ofsted; DWP; GLD; HMCTS; House of Commons Library; and NAO; as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords.
The proceedings of the conference will be circulated more widely, to Parliamentarians, ministerial offices, and government and regulatory officials with an interest in the issues being discussed. All delegates will also receive a video recording of the conference.
