At Flexitable, we are not shocked by the report released today, 25 July 2024, by ITV News, which sheds light on the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) crisis in the UK. The “Spotlight on SEND” investigation highlights the severe challenges faced by parents and children within the current education system. This report aligns with our experience as a company dedicated to supporting parents and educators through our innovative maths resources. It underscores the necessity of our ongoing commitment to assist families and students navigating these educational challenges.
Brief Outline of ITV’s SEND Report
The ITV News investigation has unveiled alarming statistics about the state of special educational needs provision across the UK. Exclusive research conducted through a poll and Freedom of Information requests reveals significant struggles faced by parents and children:
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Nearly a third of parents (30%) have had to use legal means to secure appropriate educational provisions for their children.
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Over half of the children with SEND have had to miss school due to unmet needs.
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A considerable percentage of children have been out of school for extended periods.
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Legal battles to secure provisions are both costly and time-consuming for families and councils.
Major charities describe these findings as a “tragedy” and a call for urgent reform. The Education Secretary has acknowledged the broken system and pledged long-term renewal efforts, although immediate change is not expected.
What is a Flexitable?
Flexitables are multisensory, manipulative Numeracy/Maths Charts designed for Classroom Learning and Homeschooling Children. Our resources support a range of mathematical concepts, including multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentages, addition, and subtraction. These cost-effective, low-cost products are designed to make learning engaging and accessible for all students.
Whether you are:
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A Parent seeking effective numeracy charts to enhance your child’s maths skills through home tuition.
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A Teacher in need of innovative, low-cost teaching materials and maths manipulatives perfect for visual learners.
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An Educator working with Dyslexic or Autistic pupils to develop their skills and improve hand, eye, and brain coordination.
Supporting Parents and Educators
The findings of the ITV report highlight the critical need for companies like Flexitable to continue providing valuable resources to parents and educators. We are deeply shocked but not surprised by the severe gaps in the education system for children with SEND. Our commitment to supporting parents whose children need SEND assistance is more important than ever.
Parents are often at the forefront of advocating for their children’s educational needs. The strain of legal battles and the constant fight for adequate provisions can be overwhelming. As a company Flexitable aims to alleviate some of this burden by equipping parents with resources that can enhance their child’s learning experience at home.
Teachers and educators also play a vital role in supporting children with SEND. The innovative materials provided by Flexitable are perfect for use in the classroom, helping to make abstract mathematical concepts more tangible and understandable for all learners, particularly those who benefit from visual aids.
The SEND crisis detailed in ITV’s report is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles within our education system. At Flexitable, we are committed to being part of the solution by continuing to support parents and educators with high-quality, effective maths resources. Together, we can help ensure that every child receives the educational support they need to thrive.
Let’s work together to make a positive impact on the lives of children with special educational needs.
Flexitable, Flexitable’s Response to ITV’s SEND Report: Continuing the Fight for Support, 25 July 2024 - https://flexitable.co.uk/flexitables-response-to-itvs-send-report-continuing-the-fight-for-support/