Local charity Bath Rugby Foundation has said recent figures revealed by ITV News into the growing crisis for SEND students are “startling”.
Taking part in the HITZ programme | Photo © Bath Rugby Foundation / Paul Gillis – paulgillisphoto.com
An investigation by ITV News uncovered the issues being faced by many families with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
It revealed that not only are children being excluded from education due to unmet needs, but their families are also battling bureaucratic hurdles to secure the necessary support.
The research showed that 58% of children with SEND are “forced out” of school because their needs are unmet.
Jonno Wood, Alternative Learning Manager at Bath Rugby Foundation, said: “We recently learnt from ITV that nearly 60% of Special Educational Needs students are having to take time out of school because their needs are not being met.
“And what’s worse is that a lot of those families are having to fight their local authority to even get the educational need recognised.”
Jonno pointed out a critical flaw in the current education system, saying: “It’s an example of how we are so focused on exam results as a country that we are letting down our most vulnerable in education.
“This exam-centric approach neglects the individual requirements of SEND students, leading to their exclusion and long-term educational disadvantages.”
For over 20 years, Bath Rugby Foundation has been helping to address this problem through a multifaceted approach.
Its strategy involves three steps:
- Ensuring Attendance: The first priority is getting students to attend the Alternative Learning Hub. This involves overcoming various obstacles that prevent regular school attendance.
- Identifying Necessary Skills: Recognising and developing the specific skills each individual needs to access education is crucial. This personalised approach ensures that the unique needs of each student are met.
- Focusing on Qualifications: By emphasising the importance of qualifications, Bath Rugby Foundation helps students achieve tangible outcomes. This focus not only facilitates educational progress but also boosts the students’ confidence and future prospects.
Bath Rugby Foundation helps students who have been out of school for extended periods, sometimes up to 12 months, reintegrate into the classroom.
By providing tailored support and a nurturing environment, the foundation enables students to gain qualifications and transition to meaningful next steps in their educational journeys.
