Commenting on the Government earmarking £740m to create more specialist places in mainstream schools, Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, said,
“A recent National Audit Office (NAO) report noted the special needs support system ‘often falls short of statutory and quality expectations’.
“Less than two months on, a government announcement – £740m to create more inclusive environments.
“Promising capital investment, but it’s hardly a Christmas present as ‘it’s less SEND capital investment than the previous government averaged across their 2022-2025 Spending Review’. Re-purposing schools will take time.
“There’s so much more to achieve. Shiny new buildings and equipment may help educate pupils, but ultimately, we need more school pastoral teams, special needs and mental health specialists. We need a more accessible inclusive curriculum and assessment too.
“A new ‘Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group’ is planned to improve inclusion. Welcome, but it must listen to those, who actually work in a classroom.
“Moreover, the Island has increasing special needs numbers. Last year 23 per cent. Estimates suggest even more this year. All staff must be skilled, properly trained and paid, as much greater specialist support is needed.
“Smaller class sizes too. Nothing will be easy to achieve, but it is vital, if we are to meet pupil needs fully.”
Mr Shreeve went on to add,
“The NEU welcomes the pause in entering new Safety Valve agreements too. Why, is summed up by the charity Independent Parental Special Education Advice (IPSEA) last May: ‘The aim of the safety valve intervention programme is a reduction in costs, but the effect appears to be a reduction in provision’. A view that resonates strongly with many Island families as well as school staff.
“The Budget promised £865m in 2025-26 to reduce local authority special needs deficits. A welcome recognition of reality. However, we urgently need to prioritise early intervention and more staff. This is how we better improve individual support and spend more wisely.”
