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Children's News Feed

Automatically curated from DfE announcements, education news, and sector updates.

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Record High: 1.8 Million Pupils Now Receiving SEND Support in England
SEND Jun 11, 2026

Record High: 1.8 Million Pupils Now Receiving SEND Support in England

New figures reveal that over 1.8 million pupils in England—more than one in five—are now accessing special educational needs support. This unprecedented level highlights the mounting pressure on schools and local authorities to deliver adequate provision for children with diverse learning needs.

Nursery World Webinar to Showcase New Government-Funded Early Years SENCo Training
SEND Jun 11, 2026

Nursery World Webinar to Showcase New Government-Funded Early Years SENCo Training

Nursery World is hosting a webinar sponsored by Best Practice Network to demonstrate how new government-funded training can support early years educators to identify and meet the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities. The session will highlight practical strategies for Early Years SENCos to spot developmental concerns early and implement effective support in nursery settings.

EHCP Numbers Top Half a Million as Ministers Plan Eligibility Restrictions
SEND Jun 11, 2026

EHCP Numbers Top Half a Million as Ministers Plan Eligibility Restrictions

Latest government figures reveal that over half a million pupils now have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), marking an 11 per cent annual increase. The statistics arrive as ministers signal intentions to reserve statutory support exclusively for the 'most complex' needs, raising significant questions for local SEND provision.

The precious SEND provision at risk: How Springfields Academy transforms autistic children's lives
SEND Jun 7, 2026

The precious SEND provision at risk: How Springfields Academy transforms autistic children's lives

Springfields Academy in Calne, Wiltshire exemplifies the life-changing impact of specialist SEND provision, offering autistic children tailored environments where every detail—from wobble stools to structured routines—creates safety and success. With class sizes capped at 12 and a post-16 destination record boasting zero NEETs over six years, the school demonstrates what is possible when specialist settings are prioritised.

Supporting Neurodivergent Children Through Consistent Early Years Routines
SEND May 29, 2026

Supporting Neurodivergent Children Through Consistent Early Years Routines

Queen's Award-winning Registered Nurse Charmaine Champ explains how early years settings can support neurodivergent children by embedding consistency, routine and predictability. These structured approaches create essential stability that helps young learners with additional needs to thrive.

Supporting Neurodivergent Children: The Power of Consistent Routines in Early Years
SEND May 29, 2026

Supporting Neurodivergent Children: The Power of Consistent Routines in Early Years

Charmaine Champ, Queen’s Award-winning Learning Disability Nurse, outlines how consistent routines and predictable environments in early years settings create essential stability for neurodivergent children preparing for school. By embedding structure and familiarity, practitioners can significantly improve school readiness and reduce anxiety for children with additional needs.

Concerns Mount Over Public Scrutiny of Council SEND Reform Plans
SEND May 28, 2026

Concerns Mount Over Public Scrutiny of Council SEND Reform Plans

Questions are being raised about whether local authority plans for SEND reform are subject to sufficient public and democratic scrutiny. The development raises important issues about transparency and accountability as councils implement changes to special educational needs provision.

DfE guidance: Schools may use AI for SEND support plans but not EHCPs
SEND May 28, 2026

DfE guidance: Schools may use AI for SEND support plans but not EHCPs

New Department for Education guidance suggests schools can use artificial intelligence to draft non-statutory SEND support plans, but warns against using the technology for statutory Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). School leaders are urged to exercise caution regarding pupil data protection when implementing AI tools.

Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Spaces for Children
SEND May 27, 2026

Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Spaces for Children

Cheryl Warren explores how adapting physical and social environments helps neurodivergent children feel secure enough to express their authentic selves. By moving beyond compliance toward genuine acceptance, local authorities can transform how support is delivered across education and care settings.

Evidence gaps pose 'significant challenge' to SEND reforms, warns EEF
SEND May 22, 2026

Evidence gaps pose 'significant challenge' to SEND reforms, warns EEF

The Education Endowment Foundation has warned that a lack of robust evidence could undermine the government's SEND reform ambitions. In its response to the national SEND consultation, the charity highlighted significant gaps in the proposed evidence base, raising concerns about how local authorities will implement changes without clear proof of what works.