Yesterday, Chancellor George Osborne announced big plans for the Budget of 2016, vowing to invest in England’s schools.
Osborne with the Budget Box, photo from the Guardian
Reformation plans include:
- All schools becoming academies by 2020, or having official plans to do so by 2022 (you can read more on academies and the process of converting schools to academies here)
- Proceeds of the sugar tax on fizzy drinks going towards boosting sport in primary schools
- Longer school days, adding a total of 5 extra hours to the schooling week. These 5 hours may comprise of lessons or extra-curriculur activities, including art and sport
- The consideration of maths becoming compulsory until the age of 18 to help better equip England’s students for the working world
But how will the budget affect children with special needs? This is a question Mark Lever, chief executive of the National Autistic Society, asks. “The government must explain how its plan to make all schools in England become academies will affect children with special educational needs, including autism.
“Local councils will continue to be responsible for making sure the most vulnerable children in their area get the education they deserve but they’ll have to do this without having any control over local schools.” (Budget Sets out Academies Plan and Longer School Days, BBC)
What are your thoughts on the proposed education changes for the 2016 budget?
– Maddie
I have found since our school became an academy that my educations psychologist has become more free with information. She claims that academies have to pay for her services and they no longer have to bring her in annually unless their is a transition going on. e.g. new school or 6th from. She claimed that the school had not spent the funding on what it was intended for and they just put a person next to my child to write for her, she claimed there had been a lack of dyslexia programmes done in school and as a result the funding would decrease from out council. It dropped by one band and 18 months later I am still fighting school for the right support in school. My advice to parents if you child has an EHC plan make sure you have a copy and you ask for evidence it is being carried out. You should be invited for a annual review to check your child’s progress, make sure you ask questions. If your EHC plan is not followed your next step after complaining to your council office for special educational needs SENACT it too take your complaint to the school governors, the head of school is responsible for this plan it is a legal document and it can be taken to court if needed. If your plan is reviewed and you are not happy with it you have a right to have your views heard the children and families act of 2014 gives you this right. You also have a right to request part of the funding for your child be given to the parent but this has to be agreed with school.
I’m sorry to hear your experience of academies hasn’t been positive Carole! I hope things change for your child very soon. – Maddie