SEND & Beyond Weekly Briefing – 8 August 2025

sharron508
Aug 8
2 min read

From Us to You

SEND news can be overwhelming and confusing — that’s why each week SEND & Beyond breaks it down clearly for you. We deliver the facts, the real impact, and what it means for families like yours.

Concerns Over Private Companies Profiting from SEND Education

A recent TES investigation highlights how private companies are making significant profits from SEND education and special school placements, raising questions about accountability and the impact on quality of support for children.→ Read more at TES

Geoff Barton to Lead New Inclusion Task Force for SEND Support

Education leader Geoff Barton has been appointed to head a new government task force focused on improving inclusion and support for children with SEND in mainstream schools, aiming to tackle systemic issues and raise standards.→ More details at TES

Council Spent Over £5M on SEND Transport Amid Rising Demand

Manchester Evening News reports that local councils are spending millions annually on transporting children with SEND to specialist provisions, reflecting the pressures on local services and budgets.→ Full story at Manchester Evening News

Damian Hinds MP: Children with SEND Deserve Better

Damian Hinds MP urges for urgent reforms and increased funding to better support children with SEND, stressing the need for coordinated services and improved outcomes for families.→ Read his commentary in Petersfield Post

Don’t Miss Out on Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

With over 1.3 million disabled children in the UK, many families still miss out on DLA support. SEND & Beyond can assist you with applications and appeals to ensure you get the financial help you deserve. Contact us for assistance.

Affiliate Spotlight – Therapeutic Life Story Work for Adoption

We’re pleased to feature a deeply compassionate and therapeutic resource for adoptive families:

If You Had Been Born to Me: Adoption Therapeutic Life Story Work

This therapeutic story bridges the bond between adoptive parent and adoptee, exploring the concept of ‘good enough parenting’ and the emotional impact of missed early care. Grounded in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), it validates and supports a child’s developmental trauma through empathetic storytelling.

Written by an adopter-therapist with expert input from a clinical psychologist and illustrated by an adoptee, this story aids Life Story work and fosters trust and attachment within adoptive families. It is suitable for children, young people, and even older adoptees — it’s never too late for healing.

👉 Buy it here on Amazon — your purchase supports SEND & Beyond at no extra cost to you!

SEND & Beyond Commentary

The growing role of private companies in SEND education, rising transport costs, and government task forces underscore the complex challenges families face daily. We advocate for greater transparency, better funding, and genuine inclusion to ensure children receive the support they need.

If you’re navigating DLA claims or EHCP delays, reach out — we’re here to help every step of the way.