What now for SEND?

5th July saw a new Labour government take up office…a changed Labour Party now in administration of the UK but will this bring about positive change for SEND? What are the intentions and plans for SEND from our new SoS for Education and Minister of State for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson?

In this insightful Breakfast Briefing, Jane Friswell explores the rapidly evolving landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) policy. Jane unpacks the government’s ambitious Curriculum and Assessment Review, aimed at creating a more inclusive curriculum and assessment system that celebrates every child’s unique strengths. She highlights the critical updates to Ofsted’s inspection framework, focusing on school inclusivity and the revamped SEND area inspections.

Jane discusses the challenges and promises of the SEND Improvement Plan, addressing concerns about transparency, leadership, and the need for co-produced solutions. She also sheds light on the financial hurdles facing the special needs system and the potential implications of upcoming budget decisions.

Watch the full Breakfast Briefing below as Jane explores these critical topics and provides actionable insights.

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Our Speaker

Jane Friswell is a former SEND Head Teacher who specialises in strategic leadership support and review for Local Areas, schools and organisations. Jane is a compelling, charismatic communicator and presenter with lived experience of SEND. She cares passionately about raising the quality of provision and support for all, particularly for pupils and families with SEMH needs. Jane continues to work with government and international partners in an advisory capacity supporting the SEND and wider inclusion agenda.

With a proven track record in successful school improvement leadership of national and international projects, Jane’s experience includes government policy advisory support, strategic review and planning for SEND at Local Area level and developing and establishing training and education services for teachers, SENCOs, senior leaders and governors. Jane has regularly taught on the Senior Leadership for SEND programme, commissioned by DfE, facilitated by NDTi.

Jane is the author of a wide range of professional articles and DfE funded national guidance. Published articles include ‘Access, Participation & Achievement for Primary & Secondary SENCOs’ (2012, 2013), three successful editions of SEND & School Inspection Guidance (2012, 2014, 2015) and SEND Handbook (2013, 2015).

During her tenure as Chief Executive at nasen, Jane led and made a significant contribution to the national transition of reform for SEND while leading a comprehensive SEN national events programme to inform educators of change. Jane founded the Autism in Girls Forum in 2013, recognising the need for national awareness-raising of the overlooked and often invisible population of girls and women who have autism. She commissioned the nasen mini guide Autism in Girls: Flying Under the Radar (2015). Jane co-authored Girls and Autism, Educational, Family and Personal Perspectives (Routledge, 2019), a book published through the Forum and supported by the National Association of Head Teachers.