Around 50,000 specialist places will be created across England so that more children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can learn, play and thrive alongside their friends in their local mainstream schools. Children with SEND will gain access to a high-quality education closer to home, supported by at least £3 billion of investment in new specialist spaces within mainstream settings.

A new report from the Sutton Trust has revealed stark inequalities facing children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England. The study warns that children from lower-income families are at a particular disadvantage, often left behind by a system that rewards those with greater financial means and professional influence. According to the report, more than 1.7 million children in England are identified as having SEND — a rise of 5.6% over the past year. But while the government’s figures show growing need, children from poorer backgrounds remain over-represented and under-supported within the system. Among those with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan — a legally binding document outlining tailored support — 43.8% are eligible for free school meals, compared to 25.7% nationally.

The government has unveiled a significant package of financial incentives aimed at addressing persistent teacher recruitment challenges across England. Starting in 2025, trainee teachers in maths, physics, chemistry, and computing will be eligible for a tax-free payments worth up to £31,000. Bursaries and scholarships will be available through university-led and school-based routes, as the Department for Education (DfE) seeks to attract candidates from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields into teaching. For those entering further education, up to £31,000 will be offered for shortage subjects, £10,000 for English, and £15,000 for teachers training to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

At Senploy, we recognise the ongoing challenges faced by families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across England. The current system, based on Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), is under heightened scrutiny as government ministers consider significant reforms in response to rising demand and costs.

Government findings recommend moving away from punitive discipline. Instead, restorative practices should address the reasons behind misbehaviour, helping students build capability and nurturing motivation. These strategies support engagement and inclusion while helping students understand the impact of their actions. Students at risk of exclusion can benefit from restorative methods, as these approaches foster belonging and can rebuild motivation by offering meaningful feedback.

The Education Committee has begun a new inquiry focused on the early years sector, emphasising support for its workforce, improved access to services for families, and enhanced developmental outcomes for young children. Submissions are invited from sector professionals and academics to explore the impact of recent childcare entitlement expansions and evaluate current government strategies. The inquiry examines recruitment, retention, and training of early years staff. It also considers ways to make the sector an attractive career and analyses opportunities for pay progression.

We have partnered with The Denbigh Alliance, which is an accomplished and growing multi-academy trust that is boosting efforts to support its diverse student body. Here at Senploy, we will work with The Denbigh Alliance to help them find teachers suitable for the SEND sector, focusing on individuals passionate about supporting students with special needs.

We have partnered with Academies Enterprise Trust , which has 57 primary, secondary, and special needs schools in England, to generate candidates who are suited for roles in the SEND sector. Focusing on individuals passionate about supporting students with special needs, the new partnership will help the trust to boost its efforts to support its diverse student body by ensuring it provides tailored support for SEND pupils.

Senploy adds Milestone Education to their ever expanding portfolio of specialist providers.

Milestone Education provides recruitment, training and wellbeing solutions for schools.

Amy Allen has caught up with COO, Richard Catchpole, to give us the lowdown on Milestone's 'why'. Read on to find out more...

As a result of the increase in demand for Special Needs educators, UK-based SEN job board and resource hub provider, Senploy, has completely revamped its website after a mass influx of users.

Since 2019, Senploy has provided job seekers with a platform to connect with employers for roles related to specialist SEN support for children, young people and adults.

Here at Senploy we know the true value of educating children and young people; and the children and young people of Ukraine are no exception.Do you have an hour or more to spare each week to provide your teaching expertise on a voluntary basis to support the Ukrainian children during these times of hardship and catastrophe?

The Senploy team is delighted to be collaborating with Helping Hands, to bring together a group of social care training experts with a vast wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise in social care and childcare sectors.Helping social care and child care provisions improve their training and operational standards as well as helping these settings take on a positive approach to care, behavioural management and client support.