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A message from Matt Dunkley CBE:

4 May 2018 weekly update

4 May 2018

This week, Matt introduces the Government Select Committee Inquiry on Special educational needs and disabilities; and extends an invitation to his Summer Headteacher meetings.

Dear colleagues

Government Select Committee Inquiry on Special educational needs and disabilities

The Government’s Education Select Committee have launched an inquiry into support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). I would like to encourage all schools to respond.

As you know, in 2014, the Government introduced wide-reaching changes to the SEND system, with the intention of offering simpler, improved and consistent help for children and young people with SEND. The Government claimed these changes would give families greater choice in decisions. The Committee’s new inquiry is intended to review the success of these reforms, how they have been implemented, and what impact they are having in meeting the challenges faced by children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Please see the outline of the Inquiry

They are inviting written evidence on five following points:

  1. Assessment of and support for children and young people with SEND
  2. The transition from statements of special educational needs and Learning Disability Assessments to Education, Health and Care Plans
  3. The level and distribution of funding for SEND provision
  4. The roles of and co-operation between education, health and social care sectors
  5. Provision for 19-25-year olds including support for independent living; transition to adult services; and access to education, apprenticeships and work

The closing date for submissions is Thursday 14 June 2018, however, we will be compiling a Kent response which Headteachers are welcome to join - any submission must be returned to Julie Ely by 25 May.

Use this form to send a written submission to the Education Committee's inquiry on Special educational needs and disabilities; or to Julie Ely, Julie.Ely@kent.gov.uk for the combined Kent response.

Summer Headteacher meeting dates

The next round of Headteacher meetings are taking place in June and July. One of the main focuses of these meetings will be sharing an options paper on High Needs Funding

We very much hope that you will be able to attend one of the following four meetings.

The dates, times and locations for the Summer Headteacher Meetings are:

Friday 22 June 2018 - 9am for 9:30am start - 12pm - The Spitfire Ground (Canterbury Cricket Ground), St Lawrence, Old Dover Road, Canterbury CT1 3NZ

Monday 25 June 2018 - 1pm for 1:30pm start - 4pm - Oakwood House, Oakwood Road, Maidstone ME16 8AE

Wednesday 27 June 2018 - 1pm for 1:30pm start - 4pm - Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel, Brands Hatch, Colin Chapman Way, Dartford DA3 8PE

Monday 2 July 2018 - 1:30pm for 2pm start - 4:30pm - Ashford International Hotel, Simone Weil Avenue, Ashford TN24 8UX

To book a place, please email eypssupportteam@kent.gov.uk confirming your name and school, and the session you are able to join.

Matt Dunkley CBE
Corporate Director
Children, Young People and Education