More IMPs, fewer OAPs in schools...

I've long had a problem with the phrase "ordinarily available provision". It just doesn't roll off the tongue, and, for me at least, OAPs are old-age pensioners. So inclusive mainstream practice is way better.

If you find any of these articles useful, please do let me know... and share and like!

Inclusive mainstream practice (ordinarily available provision)

This is the work pop pop studio is involved in with Mainstream Inclusion Calderdale (opens in a new tab) and Inclusive Mainstream Practice Leeds (opens in a new tab), so it's nice to see some initial (very general) feedback.

Evaluation of the SEND and AP change programme: Interim evaluation summary January 2026

"Schools are increasingly taking collective responsibility for meeting SEND needs, supported by new tools, guidance, and local initiatives such as inclusion frameworks, resource bases, and the 3-tier AP model. Stakeholders reported early signs of impact following local implementation, including more pupils being retained in mainstream education, fewer exclusions, and stronger collaboration between schools, local authorities, and AP providers."

By Priya Cooper, Ali Zaidi, Beth Smiles. Read the evaluation (PDF) (opens in a new tab)

Securing real SEND progress in the schools white paper

"Identification could be improved by considering certain risk factors as automatic triggers for assessing children's needs. SEND is under-identified in many vulnerable groups. Our research found later identification among children with social workers, children looked-after, and children already experiencing suspensions during primary school, despite these being clear warning signs."

By Jo Hutchinson, EPI. epi.org.uk (opens in a new tab)

DfE's AI tutoring plan prompt calls for more research

"The department insisted that the tools will 'complement' high-quality, face-to-face teaching, but won't replace it."

By Lydia Chantler-Hicks. schoolsweek.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

Support staff can recognise and share their value by journaling

"Using open-ended prompt questions such as 'what are you most proud of this week and why?' is the most accessible initial method of entry for those unused to professional reflection."

By Dr Siobhan Melay. schoolsweek.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

Ex-Ofsted Chair Baroness Spielman: "We Can't Take All The Effort Out Of Learning"

"Now, a proportion of those children would always have found learning to read particularly difficult. But many of them, if they'd been taught with properly evidence-based curriculum and teaching from the beginning, would never have needed to struggle."

By Sienna Rodgers. politicshome.com (opens in a new tab)

Belonging

How can schools measure 'belonging'?

"But there is also evidence that students learn better when they feel they belong. In this sense, building belonging becomes fundamental to schools' core purpose, rather than a fluffy wellbeing add-on."

By Jean Gross. tes.com (opens in a new tab)

Derby school ditches blazers and ties for more 'practical' and 'affordable' clothing

"Our new uniform is more accessible, more affordable, inclusive, and multi-purpose, and most importantly reflects what our students want and need from their school experience."

By Zena Hawley. yahoo.com (opens in a new tab)

Exclusion, inclusion, attendance

Breaking: New government Attendance Innovation unveiled

"But now, plot twist, if the child is technically inside the building, the register is happy and the data dashboard stops shouting."

By Colin Cattanach. LinkedIn (opens in a new tab)

Schools could be required to record internal exclusions

"The guidance will encourage schools to keep more pupils on-site rather than sending them home, which education secretary Bridget Phillipson warned can result in pupils 'retreating to social media, gaming and the online world instead of serving their punishment'."

By Ruth Lucas. schoolsweek.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

EHCPs

Parents of SEND children should fear what Starmer is planning

"Think about this: a Labour Government headed by a human rights lawyer wants to protect councils that fail to meet their legal responsibilities to some of the nation's most vulnerable young people. It wants to do so by ending the statutory right of parents to challenge wrongful decisions made by faceless officials."

By Ian Birrell. archive.is (opens in a new tab)

cheers
Jonny Holden