The Department for Education (DfE) has announced plans to investigate the sharp increase in the number of children requiring special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support in England. This move follows criticism from the Public Accounts Committee, which highlighted the government’s inadequate data and lack of a clear, costed reform plan.
Education
Record Number of Children Missing School in England
This summary is based on an insightful article by Kit Heren for LBC A record number of children in England are now regularly missing school, according to new figures from the Department for Education (DfE). The latest data shows that nearly one in four pupils in state...
School Budget Cuts Threaten Labour’s Education Mission
A recent report by Schools Week reveals a concerning surge in budget cuts across schools in England, posing a serious threat to Labour’s flagship “opportunity mission” in education. According to a survey commissioned by the Sutton Trust, more schools than ever since 2020 are being forced to reduce teaching staff, support staff, and even entire subjects from their curriculum.
The Attendance Trap: How Missing School Fuels Inequality
Educational inequality remains a pressing issue, and a new report from the Education Policy Institute (EPI) sheds light on why the attainment gap between disadvantaged students and their peers has widened in recent years. The study examines trends between 2019 and 2023, analysing key factors such as pupil absence, special educational needs (SEND), gender, ethnicity, and regional disparities.
School Timetabling: How This System Simplifies Scheduling for Alternative Provision
Effective school timetabling is crucial in educational settings, especially within alternative provision environments where students often require tailored schedules to meet their unique needs. DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance offers a comprehensive solution to streamline this process, ensuring both educators and students benefit from a well-structured timetable.
What you need to know about the 2025 Alternative Provision guidance
On February 5th 2025, The UK Department for Education (DfE) released updated guidance on arranging alternative provision (AP) for children who cannot access mainstream education due to exclusion, illness, or other reasons. This guide (Click here to read the full guide) outlines statutory responsibilities, best practices, and funding for local authorities and schools when placing children in AP.
DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance at Tes SEND Show North 2025!
We’re thrilled to share that DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance will be exhibiting at the Tes SEND Show North 2025, taking place on the 6th and 7th of February at the iconic Bolton Wanderers Stadium (Toughsheet Community Stadium). This prestigious event is an unmissable opportunity to discover how our innovative system can revolutionise attendance management, timetabling, and much more for alternative provision and SEND settings.
What’s behind the surge in suspensions?
School suspensions in England increased by 40% in autumn 2023, reaching 4.13 suspensions per 100 pupils. This rate is nearly double the pre-pandemic level. Secondary schools accounted for 87% of suspensions, with the highest rates in the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber.
School Exclusions Soar: A 40% Rise in Suspensions Last Autumn
Newly released figures from the Department for Education (DfE) reveal a stark increase in school exclusions in the autumn term of 2023. Both suspensions and permanent exclusions have seen significant year-on-year rises, with experts linking these trends to behavioural challenges post-pandemic.
£10.7 Billion budget for SEN support – A Summary of the NAO Report
The report highlights that since 2019, there has been no consistent improvement in outcomes for children and young people with SEN. The DfE’s objective to improve educational attainment and post-school outcomes has seen mixed results. In 2021/22, only 69% of those with SEN at key stage 4 were in sustained education, apprenticeship, or employment after leaving 16 to 18 study, compared to 85% for those without SEN.
Recommended Reading
SEND numbers have risen, DfE to investigate
The Department for Education (DfE) has announced plans to investigate the sharp increase in the number of children requiring special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support in England. This move follows criticism from the Public Accounts Committee, which highlighted the government’s inadequate data and lack of a clear, costed reform plan.
Record Number of Children Missing School in England
This summary is based on an insightful article by Kit Heren for LBC A record number of children in England are now regularly missing school, according to new figures from the Department for Education (DfE). The latest data shows that nearly one in four pupils in state...
Spring 2023/24 School Suspensions and Exclusions in England: A Closer Look
The Department for Education’s latest statistics for the spring term of 2023/24 reveal a concerning rise in both suspensions and permanent exclusions across state-funded schools in England.
School Budget Cuts Threaten Labour’s Education Mission
A recent report by Schools Week reveals a concerning surge in budget cuts across schools in England, posing a serious threat to Labour’s flagship “opportunity mission” in education. According to a survey commissioned by the Sutton Trust, more schools than ever since 2020 are being forced to reduce teaching staff, support staff, and even entire subjects from their curriculum.
DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance showcasing at Alternative Provision Manchester Conference 2025!
We are very thrilled to announce that we will be exhibiting DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance at the Alternative Provision Manchester Conference, hosted by Westminster Insight. A pivotal event for professionals involved in arranging alternative provision (AP) for students unable to attend mainstream schools. The event takes place on Wednesday 11th June 2025 at The Studio in Manchester.
The Attendance Trap: How Missing School Fuels Inequality
Educational inequality remains a pressing issue, and a new report from the Education Policy Institute (EPI) sheds light on why the attainment gap between disadvantaged students and their peers has widened in recent years. The study examines trends between 2019 and 2023, analysing key factors such as pupil absence, special educational needs (SEND), gender, ethnicity, and regional disparities.
School Timetabling: How This System Simplifies Scheduling for Alternative Provision
Effective school timetabling is crucial in educational settings, especially within alternative provision environments where students often require tailored schedules to meet their unique needs. DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance offers a comprehensive solution to streamline this process, ensuring both educators and students benefit from a well-structured timetable.
What you need to know about the 2025 Alternative Provision guidance
On February 5th 2025, The UK Department for Education (DfE) released updated guidance on arranging alternative provision (AP) for children who cannot access mainstream education due to exclusion, illness, or other reasons. This guide (Click here to read the full guide) outlines statutory responsibilities, best practices, and funding for local authorities and schools when placing children in AP.
DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance at Tes SEND Show North 2025!
We’re thrilled to share that DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance will be exhibiting at the Tes SEND Show North 2025, taking place on the 6th and 7th of February at the iconic Bolton Wanderers Stadium (Toughsheet Community Stadium). This prestigious event is an unmissable opportunity to discover how our innovative system can revolutionise attendance management, timetabling, and much more for alternative provision and SEND settings.
We are exhibiting at ProvisionsPlus+ Connect!
We are delighted to announce that DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance will be exhibiting at Provisions Plus+ Connect, an exciting new networking event designed to bring together educators and stakeholders with a shared passion for improving education. This unique event focuses on fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and exploring innovative solutions—particularly within Alternative Provision. It is the perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and build partnerships that make a real difference.