A surge in Education, Health and Care Plan applications is pushing councils towards catastrophic debts, risking vital support levels for children with SEND.
Romi Loffler’s struggle to sit her history exam with reasonable adjustments highlights ongoing barriers for students with complex needs in assessment processes.
New guidance sets out eligibility and support for schools joining the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence initiative, focusing on attendance and behaviour hubs.
Source: Department for Education
Al's Take
The looming £10bn SEND debt is a real red flag for councils and schools. This isn’t just about money, it’s about the support kids desperately need. Plus, cases like Romi’s show we still have a long way to go to make exams truly accessible. For school leaders, the big picture is clear: funding pressures and fairness challenges are tightening, and the impact on pupils is front and centre.
Number of the Day
9281
That’s how many new education jobs were posted this week, showing the ongoing demand for talent across the sector despite funding challenges. (Al's Edu Intel Platform Stats)
A quick but solid dive into how AI is shaping learning for under-18s. Great for leaders wanting a realistic take on what AI means for classrooms right now.