Providing quality Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) support is becoming increasingly challenging in London.
Between January 2011 and January 2016, the number of pupils educated in dedicated SEND places in London rose 23 per cent from 18,880 to 23,127, compared to a 10 per cent growth rate in the rest of England.
In a recent survey, 70 per cent of school leaders raised concerns about budget cuts and 81 per cent received less SEND support because of local authority cuts.
Tomorrow, as part of its investigation into SEND provision the London Assembly Education Panel will visit Swiss Cottage School, Development and Research Centre - a state-maintained special needs school in Camden.
Since 2012, the school has trained 2,341 teachers through their ‘What’s Special About Special?’ professional development course. Topics discussed will include:
- How the school is planning to meet growing demand for school places for children with SEND.
- How the school links up work with the NHS and the local authority.
- What the Mayor can do to help provide adequate SEND provision in London.
MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND
Spokespeople available:
Jennette Arnold OBE AM, Chair, Education Panel
Vijita Patel, Principal, Swiss Cottage School, Development and Research Centre
Rebecca Shaw, Vice Principal, Swiss Cottage School, Development and Research Centre
Margaret Mulholland, Director of Swiss Cottage Teaching School Alliance / Development and Research
Monika Gaweda, Head of School, Swiss Cottage School, Development and Research Centre
Martin Pratt, Director of Supporting People, Camden Local Authority
Peter Sprinz, Chair of Governors and Charity Trustee, SCS Charity
Location: Swiss Cottage School, Development and Research Centre, 80 Avenue Road, London, NW8 6HX
Date and time: Wednesday 1 November, 1:30pm-3:30pm
Directions: Nearest Tube station: Swiss Cottage
Follow us @LondonAssembly and take part in the discussion using #AssemblyEdu or #SEND
Notes to editors
- Location map.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Lisa Lam on 020 7983 4067. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.