Swindon & Wiltshire Careers Hub’s Post

Clearly a last resort if, the school has been caught using '25' day "suspensions" or disapplying the national curriculum leaving children to attend one day a week and then suspending them often from year '9', like shampoo, "repeat as necessary" until '16' whilst still being registered and collecting registration, additional retention money, learning assistant costs potentially amounting to an extra £12,500!? Simple math, if one in five at risk you just need to loose the one in five most difficult approx '40' per secondary school and Bob's your Uncle an extra £500k a year - whoopee. How do we know this ? This was the back-story to the majority of children we worked with in the early 2000's https://lnkd.in/dB__urn This was around the time these kids, around 2,000,000 a year post '16's were being classified as NEET's although, we had referrals from age '10' to '13' at the bottom end and up to '25' from YOT & New Deal for vocational training and/or work experience volunteers supporting the youngsters. The one common denominator is that they were all none or poor readers effectively "functionally and digitally illiterate" nevertheless, once enabled to read reasonable fluently an average 60% went back into education and/or day-release vocational training when employed. #EnablingChildrenToParticipateInLearning #DigitalLiteracy #AccessibilityMatters #MyopiaManagement #Asthenopia #ColourContrastValidationCalibrationForAccessibility https://lnkd.in/eeJS_HXC

We all know the SEND system needs urgent reform! Despite increased funding, policy inattention has left nearly 40% of students labeled with SEND at some point, often without adequate support. Parental complaints are rising, and we need comprehensive policy changes to ensure inclusive education. Key proposals include: 1. A new promise of ‘dignity, not deficit’. 2. Investment in school workforce expertise. 3. Early, evidence-informed intervention. 4. A national commission on specialist placements. Let’s put these words into action now! Promises need to be actioned sooner! What do you think? 🤔 Read more here:

The Demand for Exceptional SEND Staff Has Never Been Greater 🌟 A recent IFS report highlights the urgent need for potentially double funding during the transition to a new SEND system, emphasising the intense pressure schools face in providing vital support for pupils with additional needs. https://lnkd.in/eMpdZxv9 But funding is only part of the solution. Schools need the right people in place to make a real difference. That’s where I come in. At Long Term Futures, I specialise in finding high-quality SEND staff for primary schools in Birmingham and Coventry—professionals who bring passion, experience, and the expertise needed to transform the lives of pupils. ✅ What I’m Looking For: - Passionate Professionals: Individuals who are genuinely dedicated to supporting SEND pupils with empathy and understanding. - Qualified Experts: Educators and support staff with the skills and knowledge to provide tailored, impactful support. - Committed Team Players: Those who value consistency and the long-term development of pupils and schools alike. 💡 How We Support Schools: We take the time to work closely with primary schools across Birmingham and Coventry, understanding their specific SEND requirements and challenges. Whether it’s for a teaching assistant role or a specialist educator, we provide candidates who are not just ready to step into the role but are ready to make a difference. SEND pupils deserve stability, care, and the best support we can offer, and I’m proud to help schools find the right people to deliver exactly that. If you’re a school in need of dedicated SEND staff—or a candidate ready to make an impact in a SEND role—let’s connect and work together to create brighter futures for pupils with additional needs. 📧 Email [email protected] 📞 Call 07534 673 243 💬 DM me if you’re interested or have questions! #Recruitment #TalentMatching #LTFRecruitment #LongTermFutures #SENTeachingAssistant #WestMidlands #PrimarySchools #EducationCareers #SpecialEducation #Birmingham #Coventry #hiring

BLOG: Understanding Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) In the realm of education, ensuring that every child has access to the support they need to thrive is paramount. For students with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) play a crucial role in providing tailored support and resources to help them reach their full potential. Let's delve into what EHCPs are, how they work, and their significance in ensuring inclusive education for all. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gnEur25u

USTR Program: Paving the Way for Equity in Mental Health Education The journey to becoming a licensed social worker is paved with challenges, especially for BIPOC students. These challenges are not just about mastering the material but also navigating the systemic biases that permeate educational and professional landscapes. At the USTR Program, inspired by the foundational work of Dr. Charles Daniels and Fathers’ UpLift, we're taking active steps to dismantle these barriers and foster equity in mental health education. 🔍 Understanding the Challenge: BIPOC students face a gauntlet of obstacles in preparing for the social worker exam. From culturally biased exam questions to a lack of resources that reflect the diversity of experiences within BIPOC communities, these challenges contribute to a disparity in pass rates and professional representation. Our Response: Empowerment Through Action: The USTR Program is committed to addressing these systemic challenges through targeted support and advocacy: Mentorship and Support Networks: Recognizing the power of community, we've established a mentorship program connecting BIPOC students with licensed BIPOC therapists who have navigated similar paths. These mentors provide not just exam prep support but also career guidance and emotional encouragement. Advocacy for Systemic Change: Inspired by the systemic change advocacy seen in Fathers’ UpLift, the USTR Program is actively involved in advocating for more equitable testing and licensing processes. This includes dialogue with licensing boards, participation in relevant forums, and research dissemination on the impact of systemic biases in testing. Financial Assistance: We acknowledge that financial barriers often compound educational challenges. Therefore, we offer scholarships and stipends to BIPOC students for exam fees, study materials, and other licensure-related expenses. #USTRProgram #EquityInMentalHealth #BIPOCTherapists #SocialJustice #EmpowermentThroughEducation #SystemicChange #FathersUpLift

I'm excited to share my latest blog, The Paradigm Shift: Education as a Determinant of Health and Well-being, which was just published today! In this piece, I explore how our traditional focus on academic success overlooks education’s broader role as a key driver in addressing social determinants of health. It's time to radically reimagine education—not just as a vehicle for academic achievement but as a powerful system that can foster social equity, reduce health disparities, and empower communities. In the blog, I discuss: 🔑 How education can combat social inequalities and improve mental health outcomes 📊 Why integrating data across systems (i.e., education, healthcare, housing, criminal justice, child welfare) is essential to fully support students 🌱 The importance of community-school partnerships in addressing broader social and health needs. The conversation around education needs a transformative shift—and that change starts with recognizing the system's role in overall well-being, not just academic performance. 📖 Check it out and join the conversation on how we can leverage education for a healthier, more equitable society: https://lnkd.in/e8Um2S2V #SDOH #Education #EquityMatters #DataSharing #SocialDeterminants #CommunityPartnerships #TraumaInformed

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) can be an invaluable resource for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (#SEND) to access holistic support to help boost academic progress, benefit from tailored healthcare and live a happier life. But the process of securing, planning and delivering an EHCP is complex and often lengthy. #Schools Learn the five key steps to create and implement an EHCP: https://hubs.la/Q02FcL8S0

Running out of patience? It's alarming to learn that nearly two in five decisions on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the UK took more than six months last year. This new data highlights a pressing issue within our educational system that needs urgent addressing. 💡 The numbers are staggering. The government's latest data reveals that out of approximately 90,000 decisions made by councils in 2023, 37 per cent took more than six months. Even more concerning, nearly 5,000 took over a year. In Essex, an astounding 96.8 per cent took more than six months. 📊 Such delays are leaving children and their families in desperate situations, affecting their educational progression and overall well-being. As someone deeply involved in the education sector, I can't stress enough how critical timely support is for SEND pupils. This isn't just about numbers and deadlines; it's about real lives and futures. Our programme, Step Into Teaching, strives to provide support and practical experience for graduates, aiming to improve the classroom experience for all students, including those with SEND. 📌 Here's what we can do: - ✅ Let's push for quicker and more efficient EHCP processing. - ✅ Encourage schools and councils to communicate better with parents. - ✅ Support initiatives that ease the burden on mainstream schools to handle the increasing SEND demand. What are your thoughts? How can we collectively push for a more responsive and supportive system for SEND pupils? Please share your experiences or solutions in the comments below, or get in touch to discuss how we can work together. Visit www.stepintoteaching.co.uk for more details on our efforts. #SEND #Education #TeacherTraining

Unorthodox Schooling Patterns on the Rise Since Pandemic Since the pandemic, there's been a notable shift in how children are being educated. Ofsted's chief inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, has raised concerns about the increasing number of children experiencing "fractured and fragmented" education. Reports show a rise in part-time timetables and flexi-schooling, where children are educated at home part of the week. This has significant implications for the quality and consistency of education many receive. Sir Martyn highlighted that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are particularly affected, often receiving a mix of online and in-person lessons. The challenge is compounded by schools using part-time schedules as a temporary fix for behavioural issues or unmet educational needs. The data suggests that around 34,000 children are on these part-time timetables, a practice Sir Martyn deems "unacceptable". This disjointed approach brings into question the long-term impacts on children's learning and social development. Attendance remains an issue post-pandemic, with nearly a fifth of pupils persistently absent. The changing attitudes towards school attendance and home working seem to have altered family routines. This trend raises questions about the wider implications for children's education and wellbeing. Share your thoughts on these findings. How can we best support our children's education system in these changing times? Comment below or visit rikama-education.com for more information. #Education #ChildrensWelfare #UKSchools

USTR Program: Paving the Way for Equity in Mental Health Education The journey to becoming a licensed social worker is paved with challenges, especially for BIPOC students. These challenges are not just about mastering the material but also navigating the systemic biases that permeate educational and professional landscapes. At the USTR Program, inspired by the foundational work of Dr. Charles Daniels and Fathers’ UpLift, we're taking active steps to dismantle these barriers and foster equity in mental health education. 🔍 Understanding the Challenge: BIPOC students face a gauntlet of obstacles in preparing for the social worker exam. From culturally biased exam questions to a lack of resources that reflect the diversity of experiences within BIPOC communities, these challenges contribute to a disparity in pass rates and professional representation. Our Response: Empowerment Through Action: The USTR Program is committed to addressing these systemic challenges through targeted support and advocacy: Mentorship and Support Networks: Recognizing the power of community, we've established a mentorship program connecting BIPOC students with licensed BIPOC therapists who have navigated similar paths. These mentors provide not just exam prep support but also career guidance and emotional encouragement. Advocacy for Systemic Change: Inspired by the systemic change advocacy seen in Fathers’ UpLift, the USTR Program is actively involved in advocating for more equitable testing and licensing processes. This includes dialogue with licensing boards, participation in relevant forums, and research dissemination on the impact of systemic biases in testing. Financial Assistance: We acknowledge that financial barriers often compound educational challenges. Therefore, we offer scholarships and stipends to BIPOC students for exam fees, study materials, and other licensure-related expenses. #USTRProgram #EmpowermentThroughEducation #SystemicChange #FathersUpLift