Andy Smith, President of the ADCS said:

“ADCS members are not convinced that the government’s Safety Valve and Delivering Better Value programmes are the right mechanisms to address the high needs block deficits driven by increased demand. The Safety Valve Programme does not have the necessary focus on achieving the systemic change we need to ensure children’s needs are met. The funding formula for high needs must be completely reformed and a step change is needed for mainstream schools to become more inclusive.  These aims cannot be achieved without significant focus on the workforce, adequate funding for schools and a fresh approach to inspection. The scope of the SEND and AP improvement plan is not currently sufficiently ambitious to rebalance the system, so we look forward to working with the new government to achieve these aims and improve the experiences, and outcomes, of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities.”

 ENDS