New data on EHCPs reflects challenging systems and processes

The Government published the facts and figures for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) for 2023 (https://bit.ly/3P9fEJN). The data shows another increase in the number of EHCPs issued, rising nine per cent to over half a million in total, continuing the trend for yearly increases since their introduction in 2014. This means over the last two years they have increased by nearly 130,000 pupils. Requests for a needs assessment for an EHCP have increased by 23 per cent compared with last year, with just under 120,000 requests in total. Perhaps the biggest indication of a system that is overloaded is the figure of only 50.7 per cent of plans being issued within the legal limit of 20 weeks. This means over half of the 66,000 pupils are getting their plan finalised and support starting within the deadline. 33,000 pupils are missing out on support as the system is not able to meet the timelines. This figure is at its lowest level since the new Code of Practice came into force in 2015, and lower than during the pandemic, when disruption was unavoidable and understandable. While the average is 50.7 per cent, some local authorities are performing substantially below, the lowest being 3.8 per cent. At the time of writing, the SEN figures are eagerly anticipated, and we will have a full three pages on this in our September edition.

Exploration 2023 –creative views of young disabled people

UK Disability History Month’s (UKDHM) theme is Disability, Children and Youth in 2023.

They aim to celebrate the views of young disabled people and are asking for them to express the good, the bad and the changes they would like in society. The most insightful, interesting and powerful contributions in each category will be celebrated during UK Disability History Month: 16 November-16 December 2023.

UKDHM use a social model of disability. This means entrants must have long-term impairments of body, senses or mind, and that their disadvantage is caused by socially created barriers of attitude, environment and organisation. Disabled people have human rights which are often denied by prejudice, bullying and discrimination. This approach should be applied in contributions. More detail and preparatory information are available on the website: www.ukdhm.org/exploration2023

Groups can be facilitated by staff. Contributors will need parental permission to enter.

There will be four age groups for entrants and entries can be written essays, poems, posters, artwork (1 x A3 sheet) (Word or PDF), films, signing, acting, audio (MP4 file) or any combination. Entries must be submitted with an application form (https://bit.ly/3qGsyET) and an electronic high-resolution version of their entry to susie@ukdhm.org by Tuesday 31 October.

The Department for Education has launched a call for evidence on generative artificial intelligence use in education to the sector. They are interested in views on risks, ethical considerations, and training for education workforce. The consultation opened on 15 June and will run until 5pm on 23 August and is accessed here bit.ly/3JgfMDc. In addition, the DfE will speak to experts through forums, surveys and interviews.

Alongside this, the Government is continuing to deliver on the pledge made last year to enable all schools to connect to gigabit broadband by 2025.

As part of London Tech Week Gillian Keegan, Education Secretary, announced the launch and said: “Artificial intelligence is going to transform the world around us and help grow the economy. The workforces that are best equipped with the skills and knowledge they need will be the ones that ride the wave. We must make sure education is one of them. For that potential to be realised, we –the Government, our schools, colleges and universities – need to be able to understand those opportunities, as well as the real risks new technology brings. That’s why we want to kick