School and Trust Leaders: SEND Strategy 2024-25

With more than 1.5 million pupils classified as having special educational needs, the pressure on schools and trusts to deliver suitable SEND provision has never been higher.

With tighter budgets, a staff recruitment and retention crisis and an increasing strain on resources, it’s no surprise Judicium’s survey of SENDCOs and senior leaders revealed two-thirds feel current regulations leave them vulnerable.

Have you heard of the SEND and AP Improvement Plan or are you aware of the changes to the leadership level national professional qualification (NPQ) replacing the NASENCO qualification from September 2024?

Knowing how this will affect your school puts you a step ahead.

During the session we will be covering the following:

• • What you can do to ensure you're Ofsted-ready?
  • What the change in SENDCO training means for you.
  • How the SEND & AP Improvement Plan will affect school.

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.