Matt Keer
@captaink77.bsky.social
Mostly SEND, mostly for @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social
Reposted by Matt Keer
NEW POST: In an SNJ exclusive, @rachel.stopsafetyvalve.uk highlights how ADHD and Autism “Right to Choose” assessments have been paused in at least nine NHS areas, as ICBs tell their contracted private providers to stop offering new appointments www.specialneedsjungle.com/a...
November 28, 2025 at 6:02 AM
NEW POST: In an SNJ exclusive, @rachel.stopsafetyvalve.uk highlights how ADHD and Autism “Right to Choose” assessments have been paused in at least nine NHS areas, as ICBs tell their contracted private providers to stop offering new appointments www.specialneedsjungle.com/a...
This article's a mess - largely because comms around the funding change has been a mess
Allocation of the educational component of SEND funding is the ultimate responsibility of the DfE, and always has been
Thread (apologies in advance for the 'stop getting Bond wrong!' energy)
Allocation of the educational component of SEND funding is the ultimate responsibility of the DfE, and always has been
Thread (apologies in advance for the 'stop getting Bond wrong!' energy)
Warning of £20bn timebomb as Reeves switches Send funding in England to education department
Warning of £20bn timebomb as Reeves switches Send funding in England to education department
Councils welcome move but OBR says it is a significant fiscal risk and could lead to 4.9% real fall in spending per pupil
The government will take over full responsibility for special educational needs spending from local councils, it was revealed at the budget, prompting warnings that the Department for Education could be facing a £20bn timebomb in two years.
The Office for Budget Responsibility said the annual costs of special educational needs and disability (Send) spending in England would reach £6bn a year by 2028, increasing the urgency of a potentially decisive overhaul of Send provision in a schools white paper expected early next year. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 6:46 PM
This article's a mess - largely because comms around the funding change has been a mess
Allocation of the educational component of SEND funding is the ultimate responsibility of the DfE, and always has been
Thread (apologies in advance for the 'stop getting Bond wrong!' energy)
Allocation of the educational component of SEND funding is the ultimate responsibility of the DfE, and always has been
Thread (apologies in advance for the 'stop getting Bond wrong!' energy)
Yeah, they're fucked. Proportionately, BCP has a bigger DSG deficit than anyone other LA in England, by miles
But these guys seem to have fucked up in a uniquely bad way, in comparison to close statistical neighbours: BCP is under a DfE statutory direction to improve its SEND services
But these guys seem to have fucked up in a uniquely bad way, in comparison to close statistical neighbours: BCP is under a DfE statutory direction to improve its SEND services
❗A cash-strapped council facing a £183 million SEND black hole is warning ministers the deficit is 'forcing' them to make 'impossible financial decisions' with 'devastating consequences', ahead of tomorrow’s budget
schoolsweek.co.uk/council-faci...
schoolsweek.co.uk/council-faci...
Council facing £183m SEND deficit warns of 'devastating consequences'
A council facing a £183 million SEND black hole is warning ministers the deficit is “forcing” them to make “impossible financial decisions” with "devastating consequences”
schoolsweek.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Yeah, they're fucked. Proportionately, BCP has a bigger DSG deficit than anyone other LA in England, by miles
But these guys seem to have fucked up in a uniquely bad way, in comparison to close statistical neighbours: BCP is under a DfE statutory direction to improve its SEND services
But these guys seem to have fucked up in a uniquely bad way, in comparison to close statistical neighbours: BCP is under a DfE statutory direction to improve its SEND services
At most, 1.4% of pupils in mainstream independent schools have an EHCP
Pupils from mainstream independent schools make up 1% of local authority EHCP caseloads
These percentages have not changed in years
Pupils from mainstream independent schools make up 1% of local authority EHCP caseloads
These percentages have not changed in years
Tice: "One of the key issues here is these EHCPs [education, health and care plans], middle class parents playing the game in order to save the VAT on independent school fees."
November 17, 2025 at 5:36 PM
At most, 1.4% of pupils in mainstream independent schools have an EHCP
Pupils from mainstream independent schools make up 1% of local authority EHCP caseloads
These percentages have not changed in years
Pupils from mainstream independent schools make up 1% of local authority EHCP caseloads
These percentages have not changed in years
Reposted by Matt Keer
🚨 Exclusive: A damning inquiry will reveal tomorrow how NHS leaders ignored warnings over unsafe hearing tests 12 years ago leaving 300 children permanently disabled.
@camillakingdon.bsky.social labels it a "disaster" and calls for a change in leadership:
www.thetimes.com/article/2f23...
@camillakingdon.bsky.social labels it a "disaster" and calls for a change in leadership:
www.thetimes.com/article/2f23...
Hundreds of deaf children misdiagnosed in NHS ‘disaster’
Many were wrongly given the all-clear when they needed hearing aids or cochlear implants, permanently stunting their development
www.thetimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:10 AM
🚨 Exclusive: A damning inquiry will reveal tomorrow how NHS leaders ignored warnings over unsafe hearing tests 12 years ago leaving 300 children permanently disabled.
@camillakingdon.bsky.social labels it a "disaster" and calls for a change in leadership:
www.thetimes.com/article/2f23...
@camillakingdon.bsky.social labels it a "disaster" and calls for a change in leadership:
www.thetimes.com/article/2f23...
Public service announcement: if you're working in state schools or the public sector and you want sight of the data behind this article, hit me up (DM here, or email on the @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social site)
Thread in graphs below
Thread in graphs below
On SNJ Today: @captaink77.bsky.social warns the current state of SEND funding is chaotic & deteriorating faster than expected. He says at the top level, no one really knows how much is spent on SEND and reforming the system's finances will be immensely painful:
www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
November 4, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Public service announcement: if you're working in state schools or the public sector and you want sight of the data behind this article, hit me up (DM here, or email on the @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social site)
Thread in graphs below
Thread in graphs below
Reposted by Matt Keer
NEW POST: @captaink77.bsky.social gives a stark warning that reforms for #SEND funding reforms will be immensely painful—but the current situation is chaotic and sinking fast. www.specialneedsjungle.com/s... #SENDsky
November 4, 2025 at 6:02 AM
NEW POST: @captaink77.bsky.social gives a stark warning that reforms for #SEND funding reforms will be immensely painful—but the current situation is chaotic and sinking fast. www.specialneedsjungle.com/s... #SENDsky
Reposted by Matt Keer
NEW POST: @catrionamoore.bsky.social dissects a new report from the @nao.org.uk that tells the Government to improve its data on schools and SEND transport—and ensure any coming changes don't make it harder for disabled children to attend: www.specialneedsjungle.com/n...
October 31, 2025 at 6:02 AM
NEW POST: @catrionamoore.bsky.social dissects a new report from the @nao.org.uk that tells the Government to improve its data on schools and SEND transport—and ensure any coming changes don't make it harder for disabled children to attend: www.specialneedsjungle.com/n...
Reposted by Matt Keer
Disabled children are having to wait for nearly four months to receive benefit payments due to government delays, with hardly any applications being processed on time according to the latest figures.
By me, for the Big Issue: www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
By me, for the Big Issue: www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Disabled children left waiting months for benefits due to DWP delays
Single mother Maryam had to wait three months to get child disability allowance for her seven-year-old daughter, who has kidney cancer.
www.bigissue.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Disabled children are having to wait for nearly four months to receive benefit payments due to government delays, with hardly any applications being processed on time according to the latest figures.
By me, for the Big Issue: www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
By me, for the Big Issue: www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Reposted by Matt Keer
The myth of the powerful parent, and what powerlessness really feels like; open.substack.com/pub/johnsonp... #EduSky #SEND #ThisIsAP
October 27, 2025 at 2:18 PM
The myth of the powerful parent, and what powerlessness really feels like; open.substack.com/pub/johnsonp... #EduSky #SEND #ThisIsAP
Reposted by Matt Keer
NEW: Fears over upcoming SEND reforms have led more parents to request formal support for their children, according to reports from councils
The rise came after a govt adviser suggested that rights to SEND support could be curtailed
By me, for Politics Home www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The rise came after a govt adviser suggested that rights to SEND support could be curtailed
By me, for Politics Home www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Rise In SEND Requests As Parents Fear Upcoming Reforms
Fears over upcoming reforms to the special education needs (SEND) system have led more parents to request formal support for their children, accord...
www.politicshome.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:54 PM
NEW: Fears over upcoming SEND reforms have led more parents to request formal support for their children, according to reports from councils
The rise came after a govt adviser suggested that rights to SEND support could be curtailed
By me, for Politics Home www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The rise came after a govt adviser suggested that rights to SEND support could be curtailed
By me, for Politics Home www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Matt Keer
NEW POST: Independent public accountability initiative, Measure What Matters writes an excoriating, evidence-backed article that the law on #SEND isn’t failing, it’s been systematically undermined from within. Please consider sharing with your MP:
www.specialneedsjungle.com/l...
www.specialneedsjungle.com/l...
October 24, 2025 at 5:02 AM
NEW POST: Independent public accountability initiative, Measure What Matters writes an excoriating, evidence-backed article that the law on #SEND isn’t failing, it’s been systematically undermined from within. Please consider sharing with your MP:
www.specialneedsjungle.com/l...
www.specialneedsjungle.com/l...
“We need to take the time to get [SEND reform] right and to ensure we are designing a system which is protected against unintended consequences.”
Minister of State for Children & Families, July 2021
Minister of State for Children & Families, July 2021
Breaking: The government has delayed the publication of its schools White Paper, which would detail its SEND reform plans, until early 2026.
More to follow.
More to follow.
October 22, 2025 at 3:28 PM
“We need to take the time to get [SEND reform] right and to ensure we are designing a system which is protected against unintended consequences.”
Minister of State for Children & Families, July 2021
Minister of State for Children & Families, July 2021
Reposted by Matt Keer
At least 50,000 disabled people could lose access to financial employment support if the government goes ahead with plans to scrap the WCA benefit assessment, according to a new report from Citizens Advice
The true figure is likely to be higher
By me, for Big Issue www.bigissue.com/news/employm...
The true figure is likely to be higher
By me, for Big Issue www.bigissue.com/news/employm...
DWP plans will see more than 50,000 disabled people lose job support
DWP plans mean large numbers of disabled people will no longer qualify for a work allowance to support people looking for employment.
www.bigissue.com
September 26, 2025 at 10:45 AM
At least 50,000 disabled people could lose access to financial employment support if the government goes ahead with plans to scrap the WCA benefit assessment, according to a new report from Citizens Advice
The true figure is likely to be higher
By me, for Big Issue www.bigissue.com/news/employm...
The true figure is likely to be higher
By me, for Big Issue www.bigissue.com/news/employm...
They should learn, but the siren call of AI will be strong here
Consultation will probably end up as a couple of hand-picked focus groups, with written responses fed into an off-the-shelf LLM and a sentiment analysis tool
Consultation will probably end up as a couple of hand-picked focus groups, with written responses fed into an off-the-shelf LLM and a sentiment analysis tool
NEW POST: As the Schools White Paper looms, researchers @sheffieldhallamuni.bsky.social show how the DfE must learn from mistakes made in the last SEND Review when consulting with parent carers and disabled children—not least the late accessible versions www.specialneedsjungle.com/c... #SENDSky
September 24, 2025 at 12:27 PM
They should learn, but the siren call of AI will be strong here
Consultation will probably end up as a couple of hand-picked focus groups, with written responses fed into an off-the-shelf LLM and a sentiment analysis tool
Consultation will probably end up as a couple of hand-picked focus groups, with written responses fed into an off-the-shelf LLM and a sentiment analysis tool
Reposted by Matt Keer
On SNJ Today: The Education Committee's SEND Inquiry report tells the Government to boost inclusion—after deciding what it is—but leave legal rights alone. Pt 1 of our analysis is from @captaink77.bsky.social @catrionamoore.bsky.social & pix by @tanialt.bsky.social www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
September 18, 2025 at 6:45 PM
On SNJ Today: The Education Committee's SEND Inquiry report tells the Government to boost inclusion—after deciding what it is—but leave legal rights alone. Pt 1 of our analysis is from @captaink77.bsky.social @catrionamoore.bsky.social & pix by @tanialt.bsky.social www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
Reposted by Matt Keer
NEW POST: In a massive week for SEND, the Education Committee's "Solving the SEND Crisis" report tells the DfE: strengthen inclusion—but don’t dilute SEND legal rights. Here's part one of our analysis, courtesy of @captaink77.bsky.social & @catrionamoore.bsky.social www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
September 18, 2025 at 5:02 AM
NEW POST: In a massive week for SEND, the Education Committee's "Solving the SEND Crisis" report tells the DfE: strengthen inclusion—but don’t dilute SEND legal rights. Here's part one of our analysis, courtesy of @captaink77.bsky.social & @catrionamoore.bsky.social www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
This form of words first emerged from DfE in mid-July; it's a slight dilution on an previous line, and obviously it's not a pledge to maintain children's current legal rights
The voices of children, their families and teachers will be 'at the forefront' of SEND reforms, the new education minister has said, as she promised 'there will always be a legal right to additional support'
schoolsweek.co.uk/new-minister...
schoolsweek.co.uk/new-minister...
Gould: Teacher and pupil voice 'at forefront' of SEND reform
New minister also confirms 'there will always be a legal right to additional support' amid SEND backlash
schoolsweek.co.uk
September 15, 2025 at 8:11 PM
This form of words first emerged from DfE in mid-July; it's a slight dilution on an previous line, and obviously it's not a pledge to maintain children's current legal rights
This former DfE senior civil servant held the SEND policy brief in 2022-23
The controversial £19.5m contract was Delivering Better Value in SEND, signed in June 2022 with Newton Europe: the DfE SEND team were the key customer for their work
Newton Europe now have a new ACOBA-cleared senior adviser
The controversial £19.5m contract was Delivering Better Value in SEND, signed in June 2022 with Newton Europe: the DfE SEND team were the key customer for their work
Newton Europe now have a new ACOBA-cleared senior adviser
Exclusive: Former director of families at the DfE Indra Morris has taken a role at a consultancy which held a controversial government contract that aimed to cut new education, health and care plans
schoolsweek.co.uk/ex-dfe-civil...
schoolsweek.co.uk/ex-dfe-civil...
schoolsweek.co.uk
September 14, 2025 at 11:50 AM
This former DfE senior civil servant held the SEND policy brief in 2022-23
The controversial £19.5m contract was Delivering Better Value in SEND, signed in June 2022 with Newton Europe: the DfE SEND team were the key customer for their work
Newton Europe now have a new ACOBA-cleared senior adviser
The controversial £19.5m contract was Delivering Better Value in SEND, signed in June 2022 with Newton Europe: the DfE SEND team were the key customer for their work
Newton Europe now have a new ACOBA-cleared senior adviser
TLDR for today's post: yes, this can be a good thing, but like any tool it depends on the end-user's objectives, standards, & how they exploit the savings
(but read the article, you sluggards)
(but read the article, you sluggards)
On SNJ Today: Artificial intelligence is becoming ubiquitous, and is even being trialled by at least 50 LAs to draft #EHCPs. @captaink77.bsky.social looks at the firms selling these tools. He asks if AI-EHCPs are a good thing and at potential data protection issues: www.specialneedsjungle.com/r...
September 12, 2025 at 8:32 PM
TLDR for today's post: yes, this can be a good thing, but like any tool it depends on the end-user's objectives, standards, & how they exploit the savings
(but read the article, you sluggards)
(but read the article, you sluggards)
SEND reformers are looking hard at Ontario as an alternative model for special education - this is how it works on the ground, as well as in theory
NEW POST: The Ontario system: As Ministers search for new ways to "fix" SEND, they're looking overseas. @captaink77.bsky.social & @sharonlsmith.bsky.social ask, are they considering a Canadian province’s #SEND structure for England? www.specialneedsjungle.com/o...
September 8, 2025 at 10:25 AM
SEND reformers are looking hard at Ontario as an alternative model for special education - this is how it works on the ground, as well as in theory
When Georgia Gould was leader of Camden, the LA used a notoriously brutal outfit to defend its SEND Tribunal appeals, Baker Small Legal Services
During Gould's tenure, Camden paid Baker Small over £1.2m, according to the council's own payments data
During Gould's tenure, Camden paid Baker Small over £1.2m, according to the council's own payments data
Breaking: Former council leader Georgia Gould has been appointed education minister, with ex-schools minister Catherine McKinnell departing during Sir Keir Starmer’s front bench reshuffle
schoolsweek.co.uk/reshuffle-ge...
schoolsweek.co.uk/reshuffle-ge...
Georgia Gould appointed minister as Catherine McKinnell resigns
Newcastle MP says she was offered another role but will return to the backbenches
schoolsweek.co.uk
September 6, 2025 at 8:18 PM
When Georgia Gould was leader of Camden, the LA used a notoriously brutal outfit to defend its SEND Tribunal appeals, Baker Small Legal Services
During Gould's tenure, Camden paid Baker Small over £1.2m, according to the council's own payments data
During Gould's tenure, Camden paid Baker Small over £1.2m, according to the council's own payments data