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Children's News Feed

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

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SEND 1 month ago

Early Years EHCPs Increase at Non-School Settings, DfE Data Reveals

Department for Education data reveals a significant increase in the proportion of early years children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) attending non-school based nurseries. The figures indicate an almost 10 per cent rise in just one year, highlighting shifting patterns in SEND provision for children under five.

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SEND 1 month ago

Ministerial Churn Threatens Years of SEND Reform Progress

Frequent changes in government ministers risk derailing years of careful work on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities reform. The article warns that political upheaval at Westminster must not become justification for abandoning or restarting extensive policy development that has brought the system closer to much-needed transformation.

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SEND 1 month ago

Charity Launches 24-Hour Silence Challenge for 2 Million Children with Speech Needs

A national charity is challenging individuals and workplaces to remain silent for 24 hours to stand in solidarity with the estimated 2 million children across the UK who struggle with speech and language difficulties. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the daily barriers these children face while highlighting the urgent need for better SEND support services and early intervention.

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Council Seeks Legal Advice Over SEND Bailout Calculation
SEND Jun 18, 2026

Council Seeks Legal Advice Over SEND Bailout Calculation

A local authority is seeking legal advice regarding the methodology used to calculate its SEND deficit bailout allocation. The move highlights growing concern among councils about the fairness and transparency of funding formulas designed to address spiralling special educational needs costs.

Education Secretary Questioned by MPs on SEND Reforms and Teacher Recruitment
SEND Jun 17, 2026

Education Secretary Questioned by MPs on SEND Reforms and Teacher Recruitment

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is appearing before the House of Commons Education Select Committee to answer questions on the SEND system, teacher recruitment challenges, and proposed curriculum reforms. The session provides crucial insights for local government cabinet members on upcoming national policy direction and priorities.

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.

Pupils 'asked to walk through firing range' to school, MP claims
SEND Jun 5, 2026

Pupils 'asked to walk through firing range' to school, MP claims

Serious safety concerns have been raised after claims that pupils are being asked to walk to school through an active army firing range. The allegations highlight the mounting pressures on local authorities managing statutory school transport duties within constrained budgets.

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.