With the SEND White Paper due to be released imminently, the system is preparing for what may be the most significant shift in policy and direction in a generation.
A steady stream of announcements from the DfE and other national organisations points towards a sharper focus on SEND and inclusion.
Before Christmas a national conversation around inclusion was launched with the below themes perhaps an Easter egg of what we can expect from the forthcoming white paper release.
- Early intervention
- Local provision
- Fairness
- Effective practice
- Shared responsibility
You can read more about the national conversation here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-national-conversation-on-send
With lots of chat around additional and enhanced resource provision and inclusion in mainstream it is of particular interest in how our mainstream and specialist colleagues can work together to build a truly inclusive and equitable system for all learners regardless of their needs and starting points.
Please look out for upcoming EfL LearningShared virtual events focused on specialist and mainstream collaboration.
Strategic and intentional
Something of a buzz phrase of late is how we can be strategic and intentional about inclusion and this mirrors language we will see in the upcoming release of the ‘Enrichment Framework’ from the DfE (to be launched alongside the White Paper).
A set of benchmarks will support schools to capture the success and impact of their enrichment offer with a series of accompanying case studies shining a light on inclusive enrichment for even the most vulnerable learners.
Evidence for Learning is currently working on uploading the framework to support schools and is in conversation with the DfE about case studies and celebrating enrichment in all its forms.
Investment in the workforce
The DfE has also recently announced a significant investment of £200 million to ensure that every teacher and teaching assistant benefits from high-quality SEND-specific training. While further detail is awaited, we will continue to share updates and signpost opportunities as they emerge.
Alongside this, the EfL LearningShared offer continues to support leaders and practitioners across the country through virtual networking events, the online Learning Platform, regional EfL Networking Bootcamps and upcoming national conferences.
Discussing, Reflecting and Responding to The Schools White Paper
To provide an opportunity for us to reflect on and discuss the White Paper and subsequent SEND reforms with colleagues across the community, we’ve scheduled an online ‘town hall’ meeting for 10th March at 3:45pm.
With the EfL LearningShared community numbering more than 1,200 schools and colleges including over 90% of the specialist sector, we thought it would be useful to create an online space for us to come together and collectively digest the content of the White Paper, subsequent SEND reforms and more importantly begin to consider how we can turn policy into provision and practice that leads to aspirational opportunities and outcomes for all learners regardless of their needs and starting points.
* Hear from colleagues who have been at the heart of conversations leading to the reforms and look forward to their perspectives and interpretations on key recommendations.
* School and Trust leaders share their thoughts as to what the white paper means for them and how they plan to respond and implement any shift in policy and reform.
* In addition we will be privileged to hear the initial reactions and responses from parents and families as to how any reform and recommendations might impact on their child.
There will be opportunities throughout to connect with other colleagues, ask questions and share your own views.
** Speakers and contributors to be announced shortly **
If you’d like to attend, please register in advance using the link below.
You will then receive your unique URL / invitation to join the meeting on 10th Mar.
Register button (as on the Virtual events page) with link to:
https://us02web.zoom.us/
