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Teachers

England's Schools Minister Pledges to Train All Teachers for SEND Needs

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

England's schools minister, Catherine McKinnell, has pledged to provide all teachers with training and support to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This move aims to reform the current special educational needs system, which auditors have deemed financially unsustainable. The Department for Education (DFE) wants to increase the number of pupils with SEND taught in mainstream schools, citing an increase in demand and the high cost of private alternative schools. The proposal has sparked concerns among teachers and parents, who worry that relying on mainstream teachers for SEND support may not provide the necessary level of support for children.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Government plans to reform the special educational needs system, making all teachers TRAINED for SEND needs.
  • The reform aims to increase the number of pupils with SEND taught in mainstream schools.
  • The Department for Education (DFE) has allocated £760m for the reform of the SEND system from 2026-28.
  • Teachers' unions and parents have expressed concerns about the ability of mainstream teachers to meet the complex needs of pupils with SEND.
  • The proposals have been delayed due to controversy surrounding the cuts to disabled people's benefits.
  • The DFE stated that special schools will always be available for those who need them and that they will protect provision currently in place.

Statistics:

  • £760m has been allocated for the reform of the SEND system from 2026-28.
  • The proportion of pupils with SEND has increased, and schools' support staff and resources are needed to increase as well.
  • £547m has been allocated for "reform of the SEND system" in 2026-27.
  • £213m has been allocated for 2027-28.

Sources:

  • Catherine McKinnell, quoted in The i Paper, 14 Apr 2024.
  • Department for Education (DFE) spokesperson, as quoted in The i Paper, 14 Apr 2024.
  • Hayley Harding, as quoted in The i Paper, 14 Apr 2024.
  • Matt Wrack, acting general secretary of the NASUWT union, as quoted in The i Paper, 14 Apr 2024.
  • The i Paper, 14 Apr 2024.
  • The Government's spending review, 2024.
  • Department for Education (DFE), without a specific date.

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