DfE announces new action to improve outcomes for children with additional needs

The Secretary of State for Education, Damian Hinds today announced  a series of initiatives to improve understanding of the educational experiences and outcomes of all children with additional needs and those who live in challenging circumstances.

Former Children’s Minister Edward Timpson

The proposals outlined today include:

• the launch of an externally led review of exclusions, led by former Children’s Minister Edward Timpson (pictured above) to look at how the use and levels of exclusions vary from school to school focusing on those children who are more likely to be excluded.
• a ‘roadmap’ setting out how the government will transform alternative provision to make sure these education settings provide high-quality teaching and an education that meets the individual needs of young people in their care.
• a £4 million Alternative Provision Innovation Fund to test and develop projects that support children back into mainstream or special schools, as well as encouraging parental and carer involvement in the education of their child. The investment will also fund schemes that support young people as they move from alternative provision in to training or further education at post-16, so all young people can succeed in the next stage of their lives.
• a call for evidence on how to improve educational outcomes for children in need – children that need additional help or protection, including children in care. The call for evidence will gather best practice from school leaders, social workers and other professionals, fulfilling a manifesto commitment to find out what works in improving the educational outcomes for these children

The government also revealed that “Children in need” are 3 times more likely to have special educational needs than other children, and this compounds poor educational outcomes.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds said:

It’s a mark of a strong society how we treat children who are most in need of our support. Every child, whatever their background and no matter what challenges they face, should have access to a world-class education that prepares them for life in the modern world.

DYT looks forward to engaging with the government on all of the new areas announced today.

We argued the government must do more to tackle the fact that SEND learners are more than 7x more likely to be excluded.  You can read our full response here: DYT response to Exclusions consultation

Find out more.