This month brought one genuine step forward for children with SEND, alongside a decision that left many families asking where the real priorities lie. From encouraging changes to school exclusion guidance, to a campaign that missed the mark, to the support we're building for working parents and SEN leaders — here's the June update from The SEN Expert.
There has been some encouraging progress from the Department for Education regarding suspensions and exclusions, particularly for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The updated statutory guidance on suspensions and permanent exclusions, which came into force in 2023 and was further updated in 2024, strengthens expectations around inclusion and reinforces that exclusion should always be a last resort.
Importantly, schools are now required to consider whether a child's behaviour may be linked to unmet SEND, disability, trauma, or other underlying needs before making exclusion decisions. The guidance also places greater emphasis on reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 and makes it clear that pupils should not be suspended or permanently excluded simply because they have SEND or a disability.
The terminology has also changed from "fixed-term exclusion" to "suspension," reflecting the seriousness of removing a child from education. Schools are encouraged to explore alternatives such as enhanced SEN support, pastoral interventions, managed moves, and off-site provision before considering exclusion.
For families and professionals who have long campaigned for a more inclusive approach, these changes represent a welcome recognition that behaviour is often a form of communication, and that understanding and support must come before punishment. While there is still much work to do to address the disproportionate exclusion of pupils with SEND, this guidance provides a stronger framework for schools to make fairer, more informed decisions that prioritise children's needs and educational outcomes.
One issue that sparked significant discussion across our social media channels this month was the Department for Education's decision to use reality television personality Gemma Collins as part of a high-profile social media campaign. The campaign, designed to promote education reforms and vocational pathways, attracted widespread criticism from many parents and professionals working within the SEND community, who described it as "tone-deaf" and disconnected from the realities families face every day.
Reports suggest the wider communications campaign supporting government education reforms has involved substantial expenditure — figures of around £90 million have been cited — with concerns being raised about whether public funds are being directed towards publicity rather than frontline support.
For many SEND families, the issue is not celebrity involvement itself; it is the contrast between promotional activity and the daily struggles they continue to experience. Families are still battling for assessments, waiting years for support, navigating lengthy EHCP processes, and fighting for appropriate school placements. At a time when schools face funding pressures and local authorities struggle to meet growing demand, many parents have questioned whether resources could be better invested in improving services and provision directly.
As we shared on our social media channels:
"Spending a staggering £90 million to supposedly inform, reassure, and convince parents of children with SEND is not just a misallocation of funds; it's a glaring display of ignorance regarding the real needs of our children and their families. This money could have been directed towards tangible resources that would make a genuine difference in their lives, rather than a campaign that feels more like a terrible PR move than a commitment to creating an education system that will help everyone thrive."
At The SEN Expert, we believe families deserve meaningful action, transparent communication, and investment in the services that directly impact children's lives. We will continue to amplify the voices of parents, schools, and young people, and advocate for a SEND system that prioritises outcomes over optics.
Did you know that an estimated 1.7 million children in the UK have Special Educational Needs, and that significant numbers of parents either reduce their working hours or leave employment altogether due to challenges accessing appropriate support?
Many organisations are already investing heavily in employee wellbeing, mental health and family support programmes. However, very few recognise the significant impact that navigating the SEND system can have on employee wellbeing, attendance, productivity and retention.
Our Employee Benefit Scheme provides businesses with direct access to SEND expertise, enabling employees to receive guidance on:
By supporting employees who are caring for children with additional needs, organisations can reduce stress, improve staff wellbeing and demonstrate a genuine commitment to family inclusion.
If your organisation is looking for an innovative employee wellbeing offering, we'd love to talk.
Being a SENCO can be one of the most rewarding roles in education — but it can also be one of the most demanding and isolating.
Many SENCOs find themselves balancing strategic leadership, compliance requirements, family relationships, staff training, EHCP processes and day-to-day crisis management, often with limited opportunities for professional reflection.
Our SENCO Coaching Programme has been designed specifically to address this challenge. Through personalised coaching, we provide:
Whether you're new to the role, completing your NPQ SENCO qualification, or an experienced SEN leader looking to refresh and refine your practice, coaching can provide the confidence, clarity and support needed to lead effectively. The programme is delivered in-school or remotely and includes ongoing phone and email support.
At The SEN Expert, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, every family deserves to feel empowered, and every school deserves access to practical, expert SEND support.
If you'd like to discuss how we can support your family, school or organisation, we'd love to hear from you.
Get in Touch
The SEN Expert
Email: claire@thesenexpert.co.uk
Follow us on Instagram @senexpert
Together, we can create better outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
The SEN Expert offers a range of services for young people, families and schools. We offer support for parents to help navigate the complex world of Special Educational Needs. We will work with you closely to ensure the best for your child.
The SEN Expert was set up by Claire in 2021 following a successful career spanning 12 years in school improvement, special educational needs, safeguarding and the arts.
Claire has worked as a Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, Consultant and SENCO in both state and private schools in inner city London, the Southwest, the Midlands and the USA.
Throughout her career, Claire has ensured solid outcomes for the young people she has worked with. Be that a set of good exam grades, a placement in specialist setting or getting a part time job.
Claire is a working mother, and understands the challenges parents face trying to ensure their children are happy and successful. We aim to provide young people with a creative route to the personal and professional adult life they deserve.
We offer support for families, children, and schools to navigate the complex world of SEN.
Check out our full list of services at our website www.thesenexpert.co.uk or follow us on Instagram @senexpert for daily advice on special educational needs.