IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

How Does the Agilisys Transform Team Work with SEND Teams Across the UK?

We are spotlighting how the EHCP Plus team works directly with local councils and SEND professionals across the UK to co-develop the Agilisys EHCP tool that powers the EHCP Plus collaboration ​

By involving real users at every stage - caseworkers, SENCOs, families - the team are reducing drafting time and building solutions that make a real difference on the ground.​

Hear from Margherita, EHCP Plus Product Manager as she shares some of her insights on how the team worked with individuals across the SEND community from caseworkers to parent-carer forums to establish EHCP Plus and how the collaboration is rooted in solving on-the-ground problems in the SEND community.

SOCIAL CARE TECHNOLOGY

Advanced Tech Training to Enhance Patient Care and Staff Efficiency

The initiative spearheaded by the Department of Health and Social Care aims to revolutionise the adult social care sector by integrating cutting-edge technology and training care leaders in its use. By transitioning from analogue to digital, the programme seeks to enhance patient care, reduce pressure on staff, and enable individuals to maintain independence in their homes. Key innovations include motion sensors for fall detection, video telecare, and AI tools to automate tasks, illustrating a bold move towards modernising the sector in line with the government’s 10 Year Health Plan.

SEND DEFICIT CRISIS

Government Announces Plans to Tackle £6bn SEND Deficit Crisis

The government is addressing a significant £6bn deficit in SEND funding set to bring forth crucial plans later this year. The cessation of the statutory override in March 2026 will necessitate councils to incorporate these deficits into their balance sheets, potentially leading to a heightened financial strain. The urgency of the situation demands prompt and effective solutions to avert a deepening crisis in education finance.

Councils have been criticised for inadequately managing their finances, with the National Audit Office underlining persistent weaknesses. This financial turmoil requires strategic intervention, with councils possibly exploring new avenues to stabilise budgets. The Chancellor's forthcoming Autumn Statement will be pivotal, as local governments anticipate guidance on navigating these fiscal challenges. Immediate attention and proactive measures are imperative to ensure financial resilience and continuity in educational and social service provision.

UPCOMING EVENTS

We have 2 more upcoming events where you can learn about the fantastic benefits councils are realising from EHCP Plus. ​Added bonus: A council using the Agilisys EHCP tool that powers EHCP Plus will be on the webinar! ​

Press the images below to sign up! ​

📅Wed 16th April, 10-10:45am – Deep Dive for Digital and SEND Leaders ​

📅Wed 23rd April 10-10:45am – Council Case Study Insights 

GREEN INITIATIVES

Government Allocates £38 Million to Introduce 319 Zero Emission Buses

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM

Super-Councils in Northern Ireland Face Ten Years of Mixed Results and Challenges

Northern Ireland's shift from 26 councils to 11 "super councils" promised substantial savings and enhanced local governance. However, after ten years, the outcomes are mixed. Council expenditures have risen, casting doubt on cost-effectiveness. Despite touted efficiency savings, the councils often exceed their incomes, necessitating borrowing or using reserves. The planning process, a significant aspect of the reforms, suffers from delays, undermining its role in regional development. Concerns about efficiency and effectiveness persist, with only three councils meeting processing targets and notable room for improvement in design quality and urban regeneration.

The reforms introduced new governance measures, including a code of conduct for councillors, which led to 28 sanctions stemming from approximately 400 complaints over a decade. Though these actions raised awareness of ethical standards, concerns about unresolved issues remain. Overall, while reforms have opened up new opportunities, sustained financial pressures and unmet expectations challenge the promise of empowered local governance, prompting calls for a reevaluation of powers and further collaboration with broader UK and Ireland councils.

DIGITAL WORKFORCE EXPANSION

Government Digital Expansion Replaces Contractors, Saving £500m Annually

The government aims to increase its digital workforce to 10% of the civil service, replacing 7,000 contractors and potentially saving £500 million annually. This shift involves upskilling existing staff and enhancing recruitment and pay. Urgent focus on filling cyber roles is needed, with one-third currently vacant or contractor-filled.

CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE

UK Forms Council to Advance Clean Energy and AI Synergies

SEND

SEND Network Announcement

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - SEND

£740 Million for 10,000 SEND School Places Marks Urgent Educational Reform

The UK government's allocation of £740 million to support 10,000 new school places for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is a crucial step in addressing the significant gaps in the current educational framework. This funding aims to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of mainstream and special schools, allowing more children to receive education close to home. With fewer than one in ten mainstream schools equipped with specialist units, this investment seeks to bridge the gap by adapting existing facilities and ensuring inclusive support environments through the use of assistive technology and breakout spaces.

This initiative is part of a broader £1 billion plan to accommodate 44,500 additional mainstream school places by 2028, reflecting a strong commitment to improving educational opportunities irrespective of students' backgrounds. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasises that this funding is crucial for providing the right school places, breaking the link between children's backgrounds and their opportunities. The reform aims to meet the escalating demand for SEND provisions and is designed to ensure the early identification and support of children’s needs, ultimately enhancing their educational outcomes.

DIGITAL CARE INTEGRATION

Royal Greenwich Launches Digital Care Service for Independent Living

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