Lack of SEND support driving rise in home ed
New government figures show a rise in children not attending school
AI ‘friends’ can help autistic children with social skills, says report
However, more research is needed on the long-term benefits and potential harm of chatbots
Councils lose 99% of SEND appeals, new analysis shows
Local authorities are spending £150 million a year on legal action, despite outcomes overwhelmingly favouring families
Lack of clarity remains on use of reasonable force
New guidance on restrictive interventions and the use of reasonable force in schools comes into effect in April
New campaign to fight for SEND legal rights
Coalition of activists warns government about proposed changes to provision
Finding out more about…anxiety disorders
Persistent worry, fear or panic disrupts many children’s lives causing a range of symptoms
What was the SEND reform national conversation really for?
The government's face-to-face meetings were probably too little and too late to influence policy
Assessment – who is it for?
Taking a step back can lead to powerful reflections on the best strategies
Special schools struggle to hire headteachers
New figures suggest recruitment challenges are often overlooked in the SEND sector
SEND professionals named in new year honours
The list includes three women who have made an outstanding contribution to the sector
Review of 2025: record numbers, financial crises and continued delays
The state of the SEND sector could not be clearer. But will the new year bring in much-needed reforms?
Empty churches could become special schools, says Reform UK
Party launches a working group to look into the SEND crisis
Growing homelessness leading to poor mental health among pupils
Teachers reveal “physical and emotional toll” on young people and families, in new Shelter report
60,000 new SEND places in mainstream schools
Ministers have announced £3 billion of investment in specialist provision
Another record year for SEND appeals
Figures show that 99% of tribunals find in favour of families
Home-educated SEND children lack access to services
And too many are forced to leave school because their needs are not being met, report said
Teens are turning to chatbots for mental health support
AI offers instant anonymous support that is safer than speaking to a professional, report found
It’s up to schools to improve provision for autistic pupils
Schools have a responsibility to take on board the findings of the Lords' inquiry into the Autism Act
Former independent special school to reopen as a SEND centre
Wiltshire Council acquired the site after the closure of Calder House School
Ten minutes with…Christa Vines-Harris
Christa Vines-Harris is director of inclusion at the Summit Learning Trust, and has worked with SEND children for the past ten years