With the clocks moving forward last weekend and the Spring term ending, there is certainly a sense that Summer is on its way. I am sure that the break can’t have come quickly enough for you. The last two terms have been a very busy for me. As well as enjoying getting to know Camden and having the opportunity to meet with a wide number of different Camden stakeholders, I have particularly enjoyed visiting and learning about the challenges of leading a Camden school.

The difficulties of ensuring meaningful access to the curriculum for learners with SEND is a regular concern that is raised, and also something tackled by the EEF in their guidance report ‘Special Educational Needs in the Mainstream’ . This outlines the principles of a ‘five a day’ underpinning effective adaptation of the curriculum. However, there are no easy answers. The increase in the number of pupils presenting additional needs in mainstream schools is well evidenced in national data with a 4% national increase of pupils with an EHCP and an increase of 12.6% of pupils with SEN but no EHC plan recorded in National data in 2022. This continues a trend since 2016. In a blog for the Centre for Educational Neuroscience written last year, Dr Jo Van Herwegen, presented some thoughtful possible reasons for this increase.

Ensuring a skilled and confident staff, suitable resourcing on limited means and maintaining the trust of parents are a difficult balancing act however inclusive your school. We are currently working to signpost a more coherent offer of SEND professional development for schools and we look forward to your input on this. Last week I visited Frank Barnes school for Deaf Children and was struck by the complexity of need that is considered the day to day there. Despite this there is a constant focus on a rich curriculum offer that ensures the young people that attend leave with not just key skills, but as proud and confident learners. I have seen this ambition in many Camden schools, mainstream and special. When in Richard Cobden earlier this week, I saw how the school has responded to significantly increased need through systematic staff training, and by developing leadership capacity to allow for a test and learn approach that sits alongside known strategies. Despite many pupils presenting significant need, the success of their approach is evident in classroom practice. The high quality provision at both schools is very inspiring.

This is the last bulletin until the Summer term. Enjoy the longer days and remind yourself of the things that you enjoy doing the most over the next two weeks. Thank you again for all you have achieved this term. Your resilience and focus on the needs of young people makes such a difference, but now you owe it to yourself to stop and recharge.

Stephen Hall

Chief Executive Officer, Camden Learning