SEND News and Reforms

'The Secretary of State made an announcement about primary assessment yesterday that will be of interest to all those whose work affects pupils with SEND in primary schools. We set out details below, and would be grateful if you could forward this information to anyone with a particular interest in SEND. We have included further detail about the recommendations to the Government of the independent Rochford Review, including on the future of P Scales, on which we will consult early next year.

The full announcement can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/primary-education. It includes the following text:

I am setting out steps to improve and simplify assessment arrangements. First, we have worked closely with the profession to improve the guidance for the moderation of teacher assessment. It is important that we have a consistent and reliable approach across England. This new guidance will be accompanied by mandatory training for local authority moderators. Second, the key stage 1 grammar, punctuation and spelling test will remain non-statutory for schools this year, with tests available for teachers to use if they choose. Third, we will not introduce statutory mathematics and reading resits on children’s arrival in year 7. Rather, we will focus on the steps needed to ensure a child catches up lost ground. High-quality resit papers will be made available for teachers to use if they wish, as part of their ongoing assessments. In addition, we will introduce a targeted package of support to make sure that struggling pupils are supported by teachers to catch up in year 7.

Whilst the steps set out above will make improvements in the current academic year, we also need to now set out a longer term, sustainable approach. Early in the new year we will launch a consultation on primary assessment and the implications for accountability. This will cover key issues, including the best starting point to measure the progress that children make in primary school, and the role and operation of teacher assessment. Whilst we take time to consult on assessment arrangements, the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile will remain in place for the 2017 to 2018 academic year.

Last year, the Government commissioned Diane Rochford to lead an expert review into the assessment of pupils working below the standard of the national curriculum tests and to make recommendations that ensure they have the opportunity to demonstrate attainment and progress at primary school. I am grateful for the work of Diane Rochford and her team and we are publishing their report today. Its recommendations will also form part of the consultation.

I look forward to engaging with parents, teachers and unions on these issues in the coming months.

Amongst the developments here that will be of particular relevance to pupils with SEND is the publication of the Rochford Review’s report. Further details of this are set out at the bottom of this message from DfE SEN Implementation Unit.<

The group’s recommendations to Government will be of interest to anyone involved in the use of P scales, so please do draw the issuing of the report and the Government’s intention to consult on the recommendations in it to the attention of relevant colleagues.

Please note that currently schools should continue to use the pre-key stage standards and P scales for the statutory assessment of pupils working below the standard of the national curriculum tests, pending decisions to be taken following the consultation early in the new year.

The September 2016 edition of the 0-25 SEND Newsletter, produced by the Department for Education can be downloaded pdf here .

The link below is the launch to the government’s proposals aimed at delivering a fairer funding system for nurseries, preschools and childminders. The aim is that this will help support families with the cost of childcare.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fairer-early-years-funding-plan-launched

The new SEND Review Guide produced by the London Leadership Strategy as part of the DfE workforce contract for 16/17, has been launched.

The guide features a ministerial foreword from Edward Timpson and is available to download at www.thesendreview.com.

Ministerial responsibilities in The Department for Education have been confirmed by Government:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dfe-ministerial-appointments-2016

 

The Local Government Association's new database enables comparison of each local authority in England against national and regional averages on around 80 different indicators relating to SEND. The website generates customisable reports.

http://lginform.local.gov.uk/reports/view/send-research/local-area-send-report?mod-group=AllSingleTierAndCountyLaInCountry_England&mod-area=E06000028

The indicators cover 5 broad areas

·         Local area SEND information – including incidence of primary needs in primary, secondary and special schools and overall SEN expenditure

·         Implementation of the reforms – including 20 week statutory deadline for EHC plans, discontinued statements and personal budgets  

·         Attainment of pupils with SEN

·         Preparation for adulthood

·         Experience of the system – including % of mediation cases that go to appeal