High needs investment is welcome, but it won’t fix the system
Today’s announcement of an extra £700m for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) support will no doubt be warmly welcomed…
September 4, 2019
Leo Jones
Reflections from ADCS 19
I share my reflections on the recent Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) Annual Conference.
July 15, 2019
Which councils are best at supporting children with high needs?
Our Top 10 ranking of councils in relation to high needs has today been published by The MJ.
July 4, 2019
Crisis in high needs funding – a symptom of the fractured education system
Funding isn’t keeping up with demand pressures, but neither is national policy
February 1, 2019
Tackling off-rolling by schools is welcome – but the problem is wider than that
The number of children being electively educated at home is rising, and they are hidden from view: Ofsted should get involved
January 22, 2019
More money for SEND isn’t the only answer
Cultural issues across the SEND system, and a lack of focus on early intervention are also fundamental problems
November 12, 2018
Reflections on my year as a Deputy Director of Children’s Services: Models of Distributed Leadership
As a consultant, every council I have worked with has battled the same Gordian knot on senior management and leadership.
September 4, 2018
Reflections on my year as a Deputy Director of Children’s Services: The need to Stop, Collaborate and Listen
Working at a senior level in local government showed me that the need for coordination, integration and collaboration across the council is more important than ever.
September 4, 2018
Reflections on my year as a Deputy Director of Children’s Services: Exploring how our own decision-making can generate demand
I have found it both cathartic and helpful to reflect on what it is like to work on the frontline of local government to support children and families.
September 4, 2018
Children’s placements can be nine times more costly than Eton – but what are the outcomes?
We pay more for many of our looked after children’s placements than it costs to go to Eton – why…
May 11, 2017
Domestic Abuse: 7 million victims and counting
On average nearly two women a week are murdered by a current or ex-partner in England and Wales (ONS crime…
January 25, 2016
Seen But Not Heard: We need a focus on children’s services too
There is nothing quite like a new baby to make you think about the future and reflect on what needs…
December 3, 2015
