Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 59
59
Not Addressed
Introduce requirement for all new headteachers to hold a SEND-specific qualification within four years.
Recommendation
Within four years, the Department should introduce a requirement for all new headteachers to hold a SEND-specific qualification. Ensuring that SEND expertise is embedded at the highest levels of school or multi- 167 academy trust leadership will promote strategic oversight, improve the quality of inclusive practice, and better meet the needs of pupils with SEND. (Recommendation, Paragraph 220)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the report and highlights its commitment to reforming the SEND system to deliver excellent, inclusive education, but does not address the recommendation to require SEND-specific qualifications for new headteachers.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government is grateful to the Education Select Committee for its inquiry report into Solving the SEND Crisis and we welcome the opportunity to respond to the Committee. Every child should have a childhood rich in opportunity and with high quality education and care from their early years through to post-16. Every young person’s experience of education should be academically stretching, where every child feels like they belong, and that sets them up for life and work. The Committee’s report rightly highlights the deep-rooted issues which have plagued the SEND system for too long and has resulted in poor experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families. As part of our Plan for Change, we are committed to reforming the SEND system to deliver an excellent, inclusive education for every child and young person with a world class curriculum and highly trained, expert staff at every phase of learning. The Government is already taking action to make sure that evidence-based support is available as routine, without a fight, for every child and young person who needs it - from significant investment in school places for children with SEND, to improved teacher training, to our Best Start Family Hubs in every local area.