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.
SEND News
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.
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.
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.
SEND spending, what will the NAO report say?
The National Audit Office (NAO) is set to release a report next week on the cost and performance of England’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system. The publication comes just before the upcoming budget and spending review.
SEND Conferences 2025
Are you looking to attend a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Conference in 2025? You will find an aggregated list of conferences here that might fit your needs! This list will be updated periodically as more conferences are announced. Is your conference not here? Let us know and we’ll get you added.
DfE Survey reveals the full scale of SEND challenges
A new survey was published by the DfE last week that discusses the challenges the Government will face addressing the SEND system in the UK.
Recommended Reading
We are exhibiting at PRUsAP Conference 2025!
We are thrilled to announce that DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance will be exhibiting at the PRUsAP Conference 2025, a pivotal event dedicated to professionals in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and Alternative Provision (AP). This year’s theme, “Back to Basics: For the Sector, By the Sector”, underscores a commitment to grassroots collaboration and sector-led innovation.
Teen Mental Health and School Absence
Over the past few years, we've seen a worrying trend: more young people are missing school, and more are struggling with their mental health. A new study (May 2025) by Dr Megan Arnot for the Department for Education (DfE) helps us understand how these two issues are...
Understanding Pupil Attendance Trends in England
The Department for Education’s recent report, Year-on-Year Change in Pupil Attendance (May 2025), offers valuable insights into pupil attendance patterns across England’s state-funded mainstream schools between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 academic years. By examining how students transition between different absence levels, the report highlights critical periods where interventions can be most effective.
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.