This week the government announced a package of proposals that will affect the future of academies in England.
While a lot of the focus has been on the decision to remove the 50 per cent cap on faith-based admissions for new free schools, the broad package also indicates that faith education providers will soon be able to open and run special schools - those designed specifically to cater for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Church of England schools are committed to serving the whole community, including people of all faiths and none, and this week’s announcement about the faith cap does not impact on that commitment.
However, the opportunity to support the vital provision of special schools is one we welcome.
SEND support: demand for special schools
In recent years there has been a growing recognition of the challenges faced by children with SEND and their families in accessing appropriate educational support.
Mainstream schools do a brilliant job of including children with SEND but need more resources to provide for the rising number of children with educational, health care plans (EHCPs).
Many families needing suitable placements for children requiring more specialist provision have found there are none available.
The latest government figures show that two-thirds of special schools were at or over capacity in the past academic year - a situation that is not sustainable.
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By allowing the Church of England to run special schools, we can alleviate some pressure on existing special education provision and give families more choices and opportunities for their children’s education.
And enabling these schools to be academies within a Church of England multi-academy trust will bring much-needed specialist expertise into the heart of that trust, benefiting everyone.
When the first Church of England schools opened in the early 19th century, it was similarly in response to the need for access to a free education, irrespective of means or background.
Some 200 years later Church of England schools continue to offer an approach that is valued by parents and children of all faiths and none: Distinctively Christian and serving the common good.
At the heart of this is a strong ethos of community and care, making them well-suited to provide nurturing environments for children with additional needs.
Our values of compassion, understanding and inclusivity create a supportive atmosphere where every child feels valued and accepted, regardless of their differences. This can have a profound impact on the wellbeing and self-esteem of children with SEND, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Mainstream needs more resources
However, it’s important to recognise that while this decision is a step in the right direction to enable more capacity for special schools, more has to be done to ensure equitable access to education for all children, regardless of their needs.
There is still a significant gap between the demand for special education provision and the available resources, leading to long waiting lists and disparities in access.
As well as more special schools, we need additional resources for SEND in mainstream schools, training for teachers and collaborative partnerships between schools and support services.
If this follows, though, by providing specialised support within a nurturing and inclusive environment, new Church of England special schools can be part of a wider academy trust, empowering all children to thrive and succeed, while fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding among all students, ensuring that all children are able to flourish.
The Reverend Nigel Genders is the chief education officer of the Church of England
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