Huge news, SEND Deficit cancelled*

*don't forget to read the small print...

A shorter list this week, because I've been saving articles about the deficit this week, but they're all out of date given today's news!

This one, however, is useful still. I'm particularly struck by the idea of a common language (which a national EHCP template would have given us, but that pilot from the Change Programme has been shelved, I wonder why?). The common language theme has been something that's come up time and again in the work we've done with Calderdale and Leeds on their inclusive mainstream practice tools.

Shameless plug to our new page about this poppop.studio/belong

Revealed: DfE's orders to councils as SEND reforms quietly begin

"In its guidance for the tool, the government said: 'We believe that having a consistent, shared framework with common language will support a national conversation in a complex system.'"

By Samantha Booth. schoolsweek.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

Dealing with deficit: government to write off 90% of councils' SEND deficits

"MHCLG also said SEND reform will take time to 'fully embed' and councils will need further support. For deficits that arise in 2026 to 27 and 2027 to 28, local authorities can expect that we will continue to take an appropriate and proportionate approach, though it will not be unlimited."

By Samantha Booth. schoolsweek.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

Fix SEND our way for 90% of SEND debt write off, government tells councils

"Fundamentally, the Government is bribing councils to go along with whatever it wants to do with SEND in the Schools White Paper. So if you think councils will come to the rescue and help if there's anything onerous or detrimental to children in the upcoming plans, think again."

By Special Needs Jungle. specialneedsjungle.com (opens in a new tab)

The £6bn black hole that could change children's lives

"Under one plan discussed in government last year, the indicative threshold above which a council would fund a specific pupil would rise from around £6,000 to upwards of £40,000, £50,000 or £60,000."

By Sam Coates and Joe Cook. news.sky.com (opens in a new tab)

Belonging

Leading Inclusion and Belonging in Schools

A 72 page international report from the British Council, March 2025.

"A sense of school belonging is an experience we would want all young people to encounter... The five principles of school belonging: Safety, Presence, Voice, Connectivity, Agency."

By Kathryn Riley et al. britishcouncil.org (PDF) (opens in a new tab)

Inclusion strategy

"Through a whole school approach to inclusion, the school ensures that every student, regardless of ability, background, or need, has equitable access to high-quality education and meaningful opportunities for success."

By Longdendale staff. LinkedIn (opens in a new tab)

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Jonny Holden