Government unveils new SEND measures – but are they enough?
Across the UK, parents and families of children with special educational needs (SEN) have spent many years fighting a system that they say has ‘failed them’. The government has admitted that the vital provision is underserving some of the most vulnerable children and local authorities report huge deficits on their SEND budgets while children struggle to get the support they need.
The number of complaints from parents about SEND has risen by three-quarters in the past four years – with more than one complaint a day filed last year, according to figures from the local government and social care ombudsman (LGSCO).
Last month, in response to the growing issue, the government set out plans to change the special educational needs and disabilities and alternative provision system in England.
In its Improvement Plan – Right Support, Right Place, Right Time – the Department for Education announced reforms, including 33 special free schools to be built in England in addition to the 49 already announced. Training will also be expanded for 5,000 special educational needs co-ordinators and 400 educational psychologists to improve earlier diagnoses.
It's welcome news but do these measures truly address cost and demand issues?
Our founder and managing director, Amy Allen, believes the new plans fail to take the industry-wide staffing crisis into account.
She says: “It’s hugely positive that the government has promised to build more schools and deliver more training, but there are serious questions around how they intend to staff these facilities when there’s already a staffing crisis in education. What’s the plan to get more people working in SEND?
“Without proper joined up thinking and planning, there will be beautiful new schools built to accommodate hundreds of students, but no one to work in them. Equally, I have concerns around how SENCOs are expected to make time for more training when they claim to be overworked, underpaid, and already struggling to juggle rigorous training.
“Now more than ever, the SEN industry needs fresh talent to come on board and deliver the support these children really need – only with the right level of resource can we make a positive impact. At Senploy, we’re committed to making that happen – by linking job seekers with the exact type of work they're looking for while also giving employers the chance to connect with their ideal candidates.”
Are you considering a career in SEN?
If you’re considering a new career and would be keen to play your part in helping the government deliver on its ambitious plans to transform the SEN sector, there’s never been a better time to take the leap.
Springtime is officially upon us. It’s the season of rebirth and hope – the time for new beginnings and the perfect opportunity to seek a fresh start in your career. A spring reboot is a great way to assess where you are, breathe new life into a stagnant job search and begin your journey towards making 2023 the most rewarding year yet for your professional growth.
Take the first step today by checking out some of our current available roles here .