£88m Drive Aims to Recruit 10,000 Foster Carers
The UK government has announced an £88 million plan to recruit 10,000 new foster carers by the end of the next parliament, targeting younger and more diverse households.
Category : Special Needs
High Absence Rates Among Autistic Pupils in UK
A new survey shows one in six autistic pupils have not attended school since September, with mental health issues and unsuitable placements cited as key factors.
Disabled Children's Legal Rights 'Red Lines' in Send Overhaul
Charities and experts warn ministers that any dilution of legal rights for disabled children would cross 'red lines' as government prepares major Send changes in England.
Families Sue Nursery Over Paedophile Worker's Abuse
Forty-six families are taking legal action against Bright Horizons nursery in West Hampstead after their fears about paedophile worker Vincent Chan were ignored, with calls for corporate prosecution.
Families Sue Nursery Chain Over Paedophile Abuse
Multiple families are taking legal action against Bright Horizons after Vincent Chan, a nursery worker, pleaded guilty to sexually abusing children at a north London branch.
46 Families Sue Nursery Over Paedophile Worker Abuse
Families of 46 victims are taking legal action against a North London nursery, alleging it ignored concerns about a paedophile worker who abused children for nearly two years.
Ex-Eton Teacher Jailed for Pupil Sexual Abuse
Jacob Leland, a former Russian teacher at Eton College, has been sentenced to over three years in prison for sexually assaulting a vulnerable pupil at his accommodation and on a school trip.
Family's Worry Over Send Reforms Impact on Disabled Child
Parents in England fear losing support for disabled children as government plans to overhaul special educational needs system loom, with one family sharing their struggle.
Parents Fear Losing Support in Send Reforms
A new survey reveals half of parents of children with complex needs feel nervous about upcoming special needs education reforms in England, with many fearing vital support will be taken away.
Islington Youth Justice Success Story: Teen's Turnaround
Romani Notice, 17, avoided youth detention at 14 and now aims for a construction career after therapy and community service in Islington, highlighting the borough's outstanding youth justice system.
Beyond Screen Time: Hands-On Projects for Children
Experts argue children need meaningful projects, not just less screen time. Red Paper Plane's Design Champions programme shows how hands-on learning builds skills.
South London Children's Home Rated Outstanding by Ofsted
A Southwark Council-run children's home in South London has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted, with inspectors praising the exceptional care provided to children with social and emotional difficulties.
Lords Back Social Media Ban for Under-16s
The House of Lords has voted to support a ban on social media for children under 16, with a majority of 111. The move follows calls from campaigners and medical professionals.
Special Needs Education Costs to Double by 2028
Government spending on special educational needs in England is projected to double between 2015 and 2028, squeezing mainstream school funding and prompting urgent calls for reform.
Ombudsman orders Croydon Council apology over EHCP delay
A watchdog found Croydon Council missed a legal deadline on an autistic boy's Education, Health and Care Plan, causing his mother distress. Read the full investigation details.
Brent Council funds 212 new SEND school places
Brent Council plans to create 212 new SEND school places using a £10.6m grant, aiming to save £5.6m annually. However, demand for specialist education continues to outstrip supply.
Council pays £700 over missed therapy for autistic child
Ealing Council apologises and compensates a father after his autistic son missed vital speech and occupational therapy for over a year due to council failures.
Council pays £28k over 2-year education support failure
A London council has paid a family £28,000 after leaving an autistic teenager without educational support for over two years. The Ombudsman ruled it caused 'significant distress'.
Starmer urged not to diminish Send children's legal rights
A new national campaign backed by actor Sally Phillips and cross-party MPs warns the PM against weakening legal protections for children with special educational needs in England's overhaul.
Obituary: Bill Bradbury, National Leader in Education
Tributes paid to Bill Bradbury, a dedicated headteacher who transformed two special needs schools and was appointed a National Leader in Education. Read his remarkable story.
Woodfield School strikes set to continue over pay cuts
Staff at Woodfield School in Brent announce seven more strike days after rejecting an offer to cut hours. The NEU warns the trust over using agency staff during industrial action.
Award-winning teacher Joanna Ross dies aged 70
Tributes paid to Joanna Ross, a dedicated special educational needs teacher in London who championed inclusive education and won a Pearson Teaching award. Her legacy of creativity and compassion touched countless lives.
The Beatles help autistic boy find his voice
John Harris reveals how music, especially The Beatles, unlocked a world for his autistic son James. Discover the power of connection and challenge stereotypes. Listen to the full podcast now.
SEND school closes as staff strike over education quality
Woodlands School in Edgware is closed due to strike action over staff wellbeing and education standards. The NEU warns of more strikes if no deal is reached.
Ofsted: Children's home providers prioritising profit over need
Ofsted warns of a crisis as children's homes surge in cheap areas, not where needed. Vulnerable teens face unsafe, unregistered placements costing up to £30k a week. Urgent reform demanded.
Underused Sutton centre transformed into SEND hub
The Sutton Life Centre has been relaunched as a vital hub for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, offering education, skills training and community space. Discover how this transformation is supporting local families.
Inspectors praise City of London SEND services
A joint Ofsted and CQC report has praised the 'positive experiences' for children with special educational needs in the Square Mile. Read the full findings.
Labour faces £6.6bn Send crisis in education overhaul
Labour confronts a £6.6bn special educational needs crisis as Bridget Phillipson battles Treasury for proper funding. Can inclusion reforms deliver for children?
Council failed SEN boy for 8 months
A South London boy with anxiety and OCD was left without vital therapy for eight months after Kingston Council failed to secure provision. The council has apologised and paid compensation.
Ministers face £6bn Send funding hole questions
Government faces pressure to explain how £6bn special educational needs funding gap will be covered. Education secretary insists reforms aim to help families, not save money.
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