Data shows Basingstoke has seen a significant increase in the number of children being assessed as requiring SEND provision over the past 5 years. Basingstoke along with the rest of the County has seen a significant increase in the number of children being assessed as requiring SEND provision. With an increase in Hampshire from 4700 in 2015 to 15700 children in 2022.
Maria said, “It is positive that more special educational needs are being identified earlier in children’s school lives which means support can be put in place earlier too. So its crucial we ensure that teachers have the proper training they need too. Hampshire County Council are providing all schools with new support including a dedicated teacher helpline and training. This training for schools will help ensure that they are meeting the needs of children.”
Maria added, “20% more children attend school on an irregular basis since the pandemic, with 18,000 children currently not regularly attending school across Hampshire.
“The average attendance across Hampshire is 92%, but the message to all parents must be that attendance is essential. Non-attendance means children’s achievement will fall and when it comes to GCSEs and other external exams it can mean lost grades. If children aren’t in front of a teacher, they don’t have the opportunity for learning”.