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Government announces the appointment of experts to help with SEND reform

The government has announced the appointment of 19 experts to advise on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms to mainstream education.

The Department for Education has formed two new groups - the Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group and The Expert Advisory Group on Inclusion – who will be working to ensure young people with SEND can “achieve and thrive”.

The Task and Finish group will be chaired by Professor Karen Guldberg, the Head of the School of Education, Professor of Autism Studies and the former director of the Autism Centre for Education and Research at the University of Birmingham, and will work alongside the Department of Education to drive inclusive education.

Speaking on her appointment, Guldberg said “Our focus will be to advise and make recommendations regarding the best ways to support and meet the educational needs of neurodivergent children and young people in mainstream settings.”

Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson said: “The current picture is stark. For too long, too many children with additional needs haven’t been getting support early enough, with dire consequences when issues escalate.

“But my commitment to reform – making tangible change to the SEND system to improve experiences for children and families – could not be clearer, and building a system where more children with SEND can attend mainstream schools is central to our plans.

“We are determined to break down barriers to opportunity for all children and will work closely with local authorities, schools and families to ensure inclusion is at the heart of learning and that all pupils are getting the support they need to achieve and thrive.”

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Published on 27th January 2025

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