How to Get Support from your Staff

Every day in 2022 more than 182 young people began an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), now with over half a million pupils on EHCPs across the country. (According to County Councils Network).

This trend for the need for increasing SEND provision could cause a strain, especially when budgets are so tight and staff retention continues to be an issue in Education.

And much of this can fall onto the SLT and SENDCOs lap.

With limited resources and funding, one way to boost your SEND is by getting staff to advocate for it.

During the session we will be covering the following:

• The role of CPD
• Working with other leaders
• Enabling effective partnerships

Let us introduce you to this week's professional speaker

Rik Chilvers

Rik is a Safeguarding Consultant and the SEND Lead at Judicium. With experience of primary and secondary education, he brings to the team a detailed understanding of the cross-cutting nature of SEND and safeguarding, effective partnership working and management of resources.

While working as a primary school teacher, Rik completed a master’s degree in psychology of education. He then moved into secondary schools where he worked as a SENDCO, Senior Mental Health Lead and an Assistant Principal. Rik has played a central role in safeguarding and pastoral teams, championing a holistic approach to supporting children and their families. He developed whole-school policies and systems, led on best practice and has overseen systemic change including establishing a SEND department in a new secondary academy.