News

Chancellor Rachel Reeves discussed the policies on a visit to a Kent school

Nearly one in five pupils in England are receiving support for special educational needs (SEN) in the classroom, according to government statistics.

It comes as separate statistics show a sharp rise in the number of tribunals concerning special educational needs support, as parents challenge the support on offer for their child.

Teaching unions say systemic change in special educational needs provision is “urgently needed” for schools and students.

Alice returned to work three days a week at Oasis Academy Warndon in April and is on a flexible working arrangement for the next year, which means she can also take Oliver to regular baby group sessions.

She believes delivering more flexible working options for teachers – especially those who are new parents – is going to be key to addressing ongoing issues with recruitment and retention in the profession.

She wants all new parent teachers to be offered such flexibility, to allow them to “feel confident that taking that step forward in their personal life isn’t going to lead to a step back in their professional life”.

£740 million allocated for 10,000 new places for pupils with SEND
New SEND places to create more inclusive classrooms in mainstream schools, delivering on Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity.

From:
Department for Education and The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP
Published
27 March 2025

Hundreds of thousands of children with special needs could lose their legal entitlement to extra support in schools in England under plans being considered by ministers, a move that campaigners warn could force thousands more pupils out of mainstream education.

Press release
More Teachers to benefit from flexible working.

Government extend successful programme that supports teachers to plan lessons from home, job-share or work flexible hours.

Headteachers in England, Wales and NI say Send provision crisis is worsening
Nine out of 10 school leaders tell survey they are finding it harder to meet special needs of pupils than a year ago.
Almost all (98%) of the respondents to a National Association of Head Teachers’ (NAHT) poll covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland said they did not have the resources to meet the needs of all their pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (Send).

A “first of its kind” school skatepark has officially opened.

Top riders presented the new facility at Folkestone Academy, Kent, to the local community during an event on Saturday that drew in hundreds of people.

The academy, part of Turner Schools, says it hopes the park will offer young people a safe, controlled environment to develop their skills, build confidence and exercise more.

GCSE performance is increasing among special school students. Does this suggest more should be taught in mainstream?

A school leaders’ union says it is taking legal action against Ofsted over proposed changes to the way it inspects schools in England.