The latest controversy in education seems to be whether the DfE aims to reduce EHC plans by 20%, despite the Education Minister’s denials. This centres on a contract between the DfE and external supplier Newton Europe issued in July 2022 and running until the end of May 2024.
You can downoad a redacted copy of the contract on the Gov.uk website here, where on page 90 of the 127 page document, it reads:
1.3.1. Reduced cost pressure on the high needs budgets of the selected local authorities as a result of reduced growth in number of EHCPs, targeting at least a 20% reduction in new EHCPs issued. Measure: EHCP growth rates and DSG outturns for selected 55 local authorities.
RM6187 Framework Schedule 6 (Order Form and
1.3.2. A reduction in the rate of permanent exclusions and increased inclusion so needs of more children and young people with SEND are met in mainstream settings, targeting at least a 20% reduction in placements into Independent schools and 2% reduction in placements in special schools. Measure: Attendance rates and rate of pupils with EHCP in mainstream settings.
Call-Off Schedules)
The issue has been reported in Schools Week and by The Guardian.
dsga.org.uk 