DfE: Special Educational Needs in England: January 2011

Jul 11 2011 12:00AM

This statistical release brings together information on special educational needs and special schools in England. It provides analyses on the characteristics of pupils by their provision of special educational needs.

Special Educational Needs and Disability - Updated

Jul 11 2011 12:00AM

This page contains information and resources to support the provision of services to children and young people with special educational needs and disability.

Support and aspiration: A new approach to special educational needs and disability

Apr 26 2011 12:00AM

Support and aspiration: A new approach to special educational needs and disability makes wide-ranging proposals to respond to the frustrations of children and young people, their families and the professionals who work with them.
The vision set out in the Green Paper proposes:
• a new approach to identifying SEN through a single Early Years setting-based category and school-based category of SEN;
• a new single assessment process and Education, Health and Care Plan by 2014;
• local authorities and other services will set out a local offer of all services available;
• the option of a personal budget by 2014 for all families with children with a statement of SEN or a new Education, Health and Care Plan;
• give parents a real choice of school, either a mainstream or special school; and
• introduce greater independence to the assessment of children’s needs.

Housing

Apr 26 2011 12:00AM

Housing Minister Grant Shapps has announced £180m funding to councils to help them fund home adaptations for disabled people.

Local Government Improvement and Development: A new strategic quality assurance framework to safeguard children

Feb 4 2011 12:00AM

This framework supports strategic partnerships and individual organisations in assessing whether they are effective in keeping children safe. It aims to support a better understanding of how safe children are locally and how well local services are carrying out their safeguarding responsibilities in a way that focuses on improved outcomes for children and young people.

NCB and NCVYS announce strategic alliance

Dec 10 2010 12:00AM

NCB and the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS) have announced the establishment of a strategic alliance. The two organisations are delighted to be able to formalise what has been a long-standing and constructive relationship. NCVYS and NCB have worked together for many years on a range of projects both to improve the lives of children and young people (Participation Works) and support the children and young people's voluntary and community sector (VCS Engage). Recognising that their respective skills, expertise and sectoral reach were complementary made a strategic alliance a comfortable and obvious next step. It was also felt to be a significant and pioneering step at this time of considerable change and upheaval for society, for the voluntary sector and for children and youth services in particular.

A strategic alliance will mean that the two organisations will explore ways in which they can work more closely than previously across a range of services to increase efficiency and effectiveness and thereby maximise the impact of their work on behalf of children and young people. They will remain as independent organisations, but will ensure they reduce duplication in effort and strengthen their support to their respective stakeholders.

Developing the participation of disabled children and young people: call for evidence

Dec 10 2010 12:00AM

This project is reviewing existing literature to map how young disabled people are currently involved in making decisions about services and has issued a call for evidence. Please submit evidence to Dr Anita Franklin, Senior Researcher, The Children's Society, 2nd Floor, Atlas House, 31 King Street, Leeds, LS1 2HL. Email: research@childrenssociety.org.uk Tel: 0113 246 5131. The deadline evidence is 17 December 2010. Find out more about the project HERE

All Party Parliamentary Group for Children

Dec 10 2010 12:00AM

NCB clerks the All Party Parliamentary Group for Children (APPGC), whose members meet regularly and work strategically to raise the profile of children's issues. During the 2010-11 Parliamentary Year, the APPGC will be holding a series of meetings centred around the theme of 'Children and Recession'. Last Month the first meeting in this series was held giving an overview of the anticipated impact of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) on children and families. The first speaker, Mike Brewer of the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) examined the impact the government's welfare cuts are likely to have on child poverty levels. Helen Dent, Chief Executive of Family Action, provided a moving case study of a family who use their services highlighting the problems they now face and what the impact of the CSR will have on them. The Group's discussion then centred around the importance of early intervention and investing in and promoting the most effective services and programmes in times of scarce resources. The minutes of this meeting and more information click HERE

DH Press release Better Health for children, young people and their families

Sep 16 2010 12:00AM

The government today set out a new vision for the health of children and young people in an engagement document, Achieving Equity and Excellence for Children. This forms a detailed supplement to the ongoing consultation for the White Paper, Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley launched the engagement document, designed to seek the views of professionals and the wider community on how the new system should work alongside a thorough review of children’s services in the NHS by Professor Sir Ian Kennedy.

Professor Sir Ian Kennedy’s press release - From Minus nine months, How children’s services should be shaped from conception

Sep 16 2010 12:00AM

A huge cultural shift is required across health services in order to meet the needs of children and young people and take the service from its current ‘mediocre state’, according to Professor Sir Ian Kennedy’s review, published today.

The review, Getting it right for children and young people - Overcoming cultural barriers in the NHS so as to meet their needs, states that the single most important change in the NHS will be to make sure children’s health services are prioritised, as highly as adult services are, from ‘minus nine months’; the moment a child is conceived.

Family Information Service Survey 2010: Assessment of Family Information Service performance against the information duty in the Childcare Act 2006

Sep 14 2010 12:00AM

This report provides information about Family Information Services and whether English local authorities are successfully meeting their duty under section 12 of the Childcare Act 2006. It aims to asses whether parents and prospective parents are being provided with information about childcare and other services, facilities or publications that may be of benefit to them.

Testing of Disability Identification Tool for Schools

Sep 14 2010 12:00AM

This report presents the results of a project to test a draft tool to help schools identify and understand disabilities. It will be used to inform the content of the 2011 school census.

Individual Budgets for Families with Disabled Children: Interim report 2010

Sep 14 2010 12:00AM

This report presents an assessment of the first year of a programme to test whether the Individual Budget concept and approach work in practice. The pilots will run from April 2009 to March 2011.

Parental Experience of Services for Disabled Children: Technical report for years one and two

Sep 14 2010 12:00AM

This technical report details the methodology used for the first wave of research into the government’s report Aiming High for Disabled Children. It includes a breakdown of respondents by area.

Estimating future demand for social care for younger disabled adults

Aug 20 2010 12:00AM

Professor Eric Emerson of Lancaster University is collecting information on a random sample of 500 people aged 14–16 years with Special Educational Needs in ten local authorities to develop an open-access, web-based tool that authorities and other service providers can use to predict future need. This will help local authorities assess what planning has been undertaken for their transition to adult services; how likely they are to need adult social care services when they become adults; and the specific types of support they will need.
The School for Social Care Research is a partnership between the London School of Economics and Political Science, King’s College London and the Universities of Kent, Manchester and York, and is funded by the National Institute for Health Research

Disabled Children's Access to Childcare: Process evaluation of participation and workforce development activity in the Disabled Children's Access to Childcare pilots

Aug 11 2010 12:00AM

This report focuses on the findings of the disabled children's access to childcare process evaluation with the aim of enabling replication and adaptation of common and successful practice. It focuses on parent participation and workforce development.

Early intervention: Key to giving disadvantaged children opportunities they deserve

Aug 3 2010 12:00AM

An independent review into early intervention, which aims to ensure that children at greatest risk of multiple disadvantage get the best start in life, will be chaired by Graham Allen MP, confirmed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith and Children’s Minister, Sarah Teather, in an announcement today.

Special Educational Needs in England: January 2010

Jun 25 2010 12:00AM

This statistical release brings together the information available on special educational needs and special schools in England.

ESRC: Schools still failing to promote positive attitudes towards disabled people

Jun 25 2010 12:00AM

Progress towards teaching children to have positive attitudes towards disabled people has been slow and 'patchy', according to a new study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Many primary school teachers admit they 'could do better'. Lack of resources or insufficient training has led to teaching that is often inadequate and lacking in confidence, claim researchers.

HM Treasury Budget 2010

Jun 24 2010 12:00AM

Emergency Budget

This Budget sets out a five-year plan to rebuild the British economy based on the Government's values of responsibility, freedom and fairness. It shows how the Government will carry out Britain's unavoidable deficit reduction plan

New childhood taskforce – support for disabled children a key priority

Jun 24 2010 12:00AM

Prime Minister David Cameron will chair a childhood and families ministerial taskforce, made up from ministers across several departments, which will attempt to make cost-effective improvements to young people's lives.

Launching the taskforce at a Barnardo's event, deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said it was vital to unleash children's potentail in order to create a fair society. He said that more support for disabled children would be a key priority of the taskforce.

Department for Education issues details of how groups can apply to set up free schools

Jun 24 2010 12:00AM

Those interested in running the schools, which, along with academy expansion, is one of the coalition government's flagship education policies - are being asked to submit a set of proposals to the Department for Education (DfE)

Commission calls in evidence on disability-related harassment in Britain

Jun 21 2010 12:00AM

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is investigating whether public bodies and public transport providers are fulfilling their legal obligations to prevent disbaled people from being harassed. Councils, police forces, schools and other public bodies as well as bus, train companies and other public transport providers found to be failing in their duties could face enforcement action.

DfE Ministerial Portfolios Confirmed

Jun 8 2010 12:00AM

The full list of ministerial appointments has now been confirmed at the Department for Education.

Guidance on direct payments for community care, services for carers and children's services: England 2009

Jan 13 2010 12:00AM

The aim of this guidance is to assist local councils in making, managing and administering direct payments. It has been updated to reflect recent legislative changes that extend direct payments to previously excluded groups.

Lamb Inquiry: Special educational needs and parental confidence

Jan 12 2010 12:00AM

This report updates the findings of a previous report on parental confidence in the special educational needs assessment system as a key issue in making provision for children with special educational needs.

The Children's Plan Two Years On: a progress report

Jan 12 2010 12:00AM

The Children’s Plan built on the enormous achievements of the Every Child Matters framework and a decade of reform and investment in schools, health and children’s services. Much has been achieved.

Increase in parental satisfaction with services for their disabled children

Jan 12 2010 12:00AM

Figures published today show an increase in parental satisfaction for services for disabled children in 2009-10. The national overall score increased to 61 points, up two points from 59 last year.

Children’s Plan Two Years On: next steps to achieve outstanding children’s services

Jan 12 2010 12:00AM

On the second anniversary of the Children’s Plan, Children’s Secretary Ed Balls and Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw today announced that Sarah Thane, former chair of the Royal Television Society and former advisor to Ofcom, will review the 40 year old rules governing child performance.

Disabled Children's Access to Childcare Pilot Activity

Jan 12 2010 12:00AM

mproving childcare for the families of disabled children is a national priority and an integral part of expanding service provision and choice for parents who want to balance work and family life.

Review of the Children, Young People and Families Grant Programme: Consultation

Aug 6 2009 3:15PM

This consultation seeks the views of the third sector and any other interested parties on the future approach and shape of the children, young people and families grant programme.

Safeguarding Disabled Children: Practice guidance

Jul 27 2009 12:00AM

This practice guidance makes clear that disabled children have exactly the same human rights to be safe from abuse and neglect, to be protected from harm and achieve the Every Child Matters outcomes as non-disabled children. Disabled children do, however, require additional action.

Your Child, Your Schools, Our Future: Building a 21st century schools system

Jul 27 2009 12:00AM

This white paper sets out proposals to build on the last 12 years of reform by establishing a new pupil guarantee. It sets out new entitlements to personalised support for every child, matched by a parent guarantee for every parent. It sets out plans for securing those guarantees across the country.

Disproportionality in Child Welfare - Prevalence of Black and Ethnic Minority Children within 'Looked After' and 'Children in Need' Populations and on Child Protection Registers in England

Jul 27 2009 12:00AM

This study aimed to provide further insight into differences between ethnic groups in their contact with child welfare services in England, and to examine possible reasons for this.

DCSF: Promoting the Health of Looked After Children - A Study to Inform Revision of the 2002 Guidance

Jul 27 2009 12:00AM

The overall purpose of this research was to provide evidence to assist DCSF and the Department of Health in revising the guidance on improving the health of looked after children.

Working at the Edges of Care: European models of support for young people and families

Jul 27 2009 12:00AM

This study examined policy, professional skills and practice, as well as service use relating to support for young people (aged 10-15 years) and their families, where levels of need indicate that placement or accommodation outside the family home may be necessary.

Impact of Family Breakdown on Children's Well-being: Evidence review

Jul 27 2009 12:00AM

This brief review sought to highlight key evidence on the impact of parental separation and divorce on children’s well-being and development.

Outreach to Children and Families: A scoping study

Jul 27 2009 12:00AM

This study forms one strand of a three-year project to take forward work on core principles and standards and support for professional development for outreach in Sure Start children’s centres. The aim of the study was to gather information on identifying and documenting best practice in outreach in the children’s centres.

Parental Confidence in the Special Educational Needs Assessment, Statementing and Tribunal System: Qualitative study

Jul 27 2009 12:00AM

This study aimed to gain an understanding of parents' (including foster and corporate parents’) experience of the special educational needs system of assessment, statementing and appeal and gain a greater insight into perceived problems with special educational needs provision and identify factors that make the system work well for some parents and not others.

Identifying and Teaching Children and Young People with Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties

Jul 27 2009 12:00AM

This is Jim Rose's report on dyslexia It aims to help policy makers and providers strengthen practice and assure parents that provision for children with dyslexia will be as good as possible.

Consultation on Giving Children and Young People a Right to Appeal

Jun 22 2009 12:00AM

This consultation seeks views on giving children and young people a right to appeal decisions regarding exclusions and special educational need statements and assessments and to make disability discrimination claims in England.

Promoting the Health and Wellbeing of Looked After Children - revised statutory guidance

Jun 22 2009 12:00AM

This consultation seeks views on revised guidance to authorities, primary care trusts and strategic health authorities on the exercise of their functions in relation to co-operation to promote the well-being of children and young people and the making of arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Handling Allegations of Abuse made against Adults who Work with Children and Young People

Jun 22 2009 12:00AM

This consultation seeks views on draft guidance that sets out the statutory framework and underlying principles of handling allegations of abuse for those involved in dealing with allegations. It covers practical issues surrounding exercising professional judgement along with information sharing and record keeping.

14-19 Reforms and You: Toolkit for schools

Jun 22 2009 12:00AM

This is a practical resource to help leaders and managers in schools and colleges disseminate key information about the 14-19 reforms to staff.

Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation

Jun 22 2009 12:00AM

This guidance is aimed at local safeguarding children board partners, practitioners and other professionals working with children and young people. It is intended to help them safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people who are at risk of being, or who are being, sexually exploited. It is supplementary to, and should be used in conjunction with, the Government’s statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children.

Valuing People Now - main report

Jan 20 2009 5:34AM

Valuing people now sets out the Government's strategy for people with learning disabilities for the next three years following consultation. It also responds to the main recommendations in Healthcare for All, the independent inquiry into access to healthcare for people with learning disabilities

Valuing People Now - Executive Summary

Jan 20 2009 12:00AM

Valuing People Now - easy read version

Jan 20 2009 12:00AM

Valuing People Now - Delivery Plan

Jan 20 2009 12:00AM

Valuing People Now - Response to the Consultation

Jan 20 2009 12:00AM

What is a Children's Trust?

Nov 26 2008 1:55PM

This leaflet sets out what children's trusts are, what they do, and the role the NHS has to play in them.

Carers at the heart of 21st century families and communities: a caring system on your side, a life of your own

Jun 11 2008 12:00AM

The carers' strategy sets out the Government's short-term agenda and long-term vision for the future care and support of carers

Working Together: Listening to the voices of children and young people

May 10 2008 12:00AM

‘Working Together: Listening to the voices of children and young people’ is the updated version of the Working Together guidance, published in 2008.

Extending Inclusion - Access for disabled children and young people to extended schools and children's centres: a development manual

Apr 26 2008 12:00AM

The guidance will serve as a helpful tool for children’s centres, schools and other practitioners to ensure that disabled children have full and equal access to services and activities. It will support a local development process, looking at services at a time of significant development, and maps out the process by which LAs are seeking to achieve this.

The CAMHS Review - Next Steps to Improving the Emotional Well-Being and Mental Health of Children and Young People. Call for Evidence

Apr 14 2008 12:00AM

The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and the Secretary of State for Health have asked Jo Davidson (Chair) and Bob Jezzard (Vice-Chair) to lead an independent Review of CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). The Review will investigate how universal, targeted and specialist services can be improved to meet the needs of children and young people who are experiencing, or are at risk of, mental health problems. This consultation calls for evidence from all individuals, organisations and groups.

A transition guide for all services

Mar 27 2008 12:00AM

Key information for professionals about the transition process for disabled young people

Care Matters: Time to deliver for children in care

Mar 26 2008 12:00AM

Our aspirations for children in care1 are no less than those each parent has for their own children. Children in care are often in much greater need than other children but much less likely to get the help they require. We aim to create a care system that provides every child with a safe, happy, healthy, secure and loving childhood, nurturing their aspirations and enabling them to fulfil their potential.

Transition: moving on well

Mar 19 2008 12:00AM

A good practice guide on effective transition from children's to adult services for young people with complex health needs has been published by the Department of Health and the Department for Schools, Children and Families.

New legislation proposed to offer breaks to parents of disabled children

Mar 5 2008 12:00AM

The Government has today tabled an amendment to the Children and Young Persons Bill that would create a new duty on local authorities to help parents caring for disabled children by giving them breaks from their caring responsibilities.

Young People: Leading Change

Feb 29 2008 12:00AM

This document emphasises the real commitment to young leaders which runs from the heart of Government through national partners to local community organisations and volunteers.

Better Care: Better Lives

Feb 21 2008 12:00AM

Care Services Minister, Ivan Lewis will today launch a £20m boost to improve palliative care services for the thousands of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Medical care for gender variant children and young people: answering families’ questions

Feb 14 2008 12:00AM

This publication provides answers to the questions typically asked by parents of gender variant children and young people (up to the age of 17). It helps families to understand about gender variance and gives some suggestions about how to respond.

Aiming High for Disabled Children: Draft core offer standards paper

Feb 14 2008 12:00AM

This letter invites views on a draft paper which explains the background of the 'core offer' for disabled children and their families, a commitment made by the Government in Aiming High for Disabled Children, published in May 2007. The core offer aims to set out clearly, and in one place, a national statement of expectations for how disabled children and their parents will be informed and involved as their needs are assessed and the necessary services provided.