There is a ‘national scandal’ of local authorities not meeting the needs of children with special educational needs (SEN). That’s the view of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, Amerdeep Somal. Amerdeep Somal, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, says there is a national scandal of children with special educational needs not having their needs met She is calling for a change in UK policy. She said: “We have repeatedly highlighted there are significant problems across the country requiring national attention and policy change to ensure children are supported during the ..read more

Illinois Autism Center is a trailblazer in providing specialized care for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Chicago. Nestled in the city’s vibrant heart, our center offers a secure and supportive environment where children can learn, evolve, and express their true selves comfortably, and without fear of judgment. We champion individuality Each child is a unique individual, and brings with them their own set of challenges and strengths. This is why our center leverages and bases its therapies on Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), which is scientifically recognized as th ..read more

Derwen College delivers exceptional pre-vocational, vocational and independence programmes to support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to learn the skills and confidence needed to progress toward their future aspirations. General description Derwen College delivers exceptional programmes and a rich learning environment for young people, aged from 16 to 25 years, with special educational needs and disabilities, including: Learning and Physical Disabilities Autism Spectrum Disorder Behaviours of Concern Moderate, severe, complex or Profound and Multiple Learn ..read more

Children with special needs are especially at risk of exclusion from primary school and then failing in secondary school, new research shows. The study found that more than 90 per cent of children excluded in primary school do not go on to pass their GCSEs in English and maths. And it found that almost all of the children excluded at primary school (up to 97 per cent) have special needs. Chance UK chief executive Vanessa Longley says it is crucial to get in early to support children Charity Chance UK compiled the figures. Its report, Too Young to Leave Behind, says increasing numbers of chil ..read more

Teachers and support staff in colleges must understand the needs of neurodivergent learners.  At PAST, we are passionate about working with and supporting neurodivergent learners. We know these children and young people have so much to offer, yet the education system often fails them because staff do not have the right skills and experience. This is something we want to change. PAST offers a range of training programmes. They help teaching and support staff feel empowered and equipped to help their neurodivergent learners meet their potential. Everyone benefits when everyone understands ..read more

The family of an autistic man have won a High Court case against a council that wanted to deduct more than £2,000 a year from his benefits. Michael Sherratt, 27, is an autistic man with learning difficulties. He lives with his mum, Stephanie, who is his primary carer. The Royal Courts of Justice in London, which houses the High Court and which saw the family of an autistic man defeating their local council over his benefits Michael has a care plan and Bolton Council has assessed him as having high levels of need. He receives additional support for this, covered by direct payment and sta ..read more

Prosecuting carers who unintentionally go above the earnings limit for their benefit is “unforgivable”. That’s the view of Katy Styles, founder of the We Care Campaign. Katy Styles with husband Mark. Full-time carer Styles believes DWP prosecutions of carers are “unforgivable” Styles, whose group defends carers’ rights, criticised the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for prosecuting carers. She condemned the DWP for targeting carers who have inadvertently exceeded the £151 per week earnings threshold for claiming Carer’s Allowance. Styles, 55, from Canterbury, is a full-time carer for ..read more

Black and Asian parents have told of their struggles against stigma, shame and honour in trying to fight for acceptance of autism. Venessa Bobb says minority families still focus on “normalising behaviour” rather than accepting and understanding autism. Venessa Bobb, founder of A2ndvoice, says stigma and myths about autism are still “very prominent” in black and Asian communities Bobb’s 21-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter are both on the autism spectrum. Bobb was herself diagnosed with autism in her 50s. Taboos and myths She set up the community group A2ndvoice in South West London. The ..read more

The Wingate Centre is an independent charity based in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. Residential breaks and holidays, specialising in SEND The Centre provides subsidised school residential breaks and holidays for schools and groups, with a speciality in accommodating individuals with special educational needs and disabilities. Open from February to December,  our residential accommodation offers excellent facilities for all needs and abilities, including several changing spaces, profile beds, adapted wet rooms, a sensory room and much more. What customers say “A superb experience ..read more

TG Escapes buildings designed with natural materials make excellent learning spaces for autistic students. TG Escapes modular eco-buildings use modern construction methods, traditional materials and sophisticated technology, to create a standalone timber frame space that is net-zero in operation. They have provided over 800 buildings UK-wide and were awarded Contractor of the Year at the 2021 Education Estates Awards. Biophilic classrooms for SEN at Rabbsfarm School in Middlesex Well suited to special needs settings The use of biophilic design principles, natural materials, easy access to th ..read more