How AI is Shaping the Future of SEND Services & The EHCP Process

At the LGPN South event, Guy Matthews and Darius Toomer showcased how EHCP Plus is revolutionizing SEND services by addressing the urgent challenges facing the sector:

• Rising EHCP Demand: Increasing caseloads are straining teams.

• Delays in Support: Children wait too long for critical interventions.

• Administrative Overload: Case workers are overwhelmed with paperwork, limiting direct support.

EHCP Plus leverages generative AI to deliver:

• Rapid Drafts: Create EHCP first drafts in minutes.

• Streamlined Admin: Free up case workers for meaningful engagement.

• High-Quality Plans: Ensure consistency and accuracy.

Guy and Darius emphasised that generative AI is more than a tool—it empowers professionals to improve outcomes for children and families.

👉 Learn more about EHCP Plus: https://ehcp.plus/

HEALTHCARE POLICY

Transforming Health: The Role of Adult Social Care in Neighbourhoods

The government's initiative to shift care from hospitals to communities is central to the upcoming NHS ten-year plan. This approach aims to transform the National Health Service into a Neighbourhood Health Service, integrating health and social care. Despite past efforts, such as the 2006 White Paper, funding has increasingly favoured hospitals, highlighting a gap between policy and practice.

Adult social care is crucial for successful neighbourhood care. Directors of Adult Social Care and Public Health play key roles in local government functions, essential for community health improvement. Integrated Care Systems and multidisciplinary teams, including social work, nursing, and occupational therapy, are vital. Without social care, neighbourhood care cannot be realised, underscoring its indispensable role in the system.

SOCIAL CARE SECTOR

Social Care Funding Crisis Threatens Vulnerable Communities' Stability

The social care sector faces financial strain due to government Budget changes, impacting providers like Community Integrated Care. Increased national insurance contributions and minimum wage hikes could cost the sector millions, affecting vulnerable individuals. Community Integrated Care, with over 6,000 employees, anticipates a £12 million cost increase, threatening smaller providers.

Despite £600 million in new funding from the Department for Health and Social Care, concerns persist. CEO Jim Kane warns of potential service disruptions, as providers may return contracts, affecting vulnerable adults. The government aims to address these challenges with a national care service and fair pay agreements, but analysts argue more funding is needed to meet rising costs and demand.

ELDERLY CARE

Rising Uncertainty in Elderly Care Funding Amid Increasing Costs

New data from carehome.co.uk unveils significant uncertainty in elderly care funding amidst rising costs. Over a fifth of 38,441 care seekers were unsure of funding sources within the past year. Regional disparities are notable: over half of English seekers (54%) self-fund compared to lower percentages in other UK regions. Private funding prevails in the South, with the South East and South West leading.

Local authority funding is dwindling, affecting only 13% of seekers, leading to increased ""top up"" fees. Only 5% receive NHS continuing healthcare, highlighting an assessed "postcode lottery". Carehome.co.uk's Sue Learner underscores a troubling public knowledge gap regarding social care funding, amid rising living costs. More care homes may limit state-funded residents due to financial constraints.

Attending my first IGPP SEND Conference was truly inspiring—bringing together professionals from councils, schools, and education providers, all driven by a shared mission to improve outcomes for children and families.

Our focus was EHCP Plus, a Generative AI tool designed to save caseworkers time by drafting Education, Health, and Care Plans. This frees them to focus on what truly matters: supporting children and families. Engaging with attendees, alongside Margherita, Emma, and Henry from Outcomes Matter Consulting, sparked meaningful discussions about the tool’s potential and the importance of integrating AI thoughtfully.

My key takeaway? Listen first. Real solutions come from understanding the experiences of parents, caseworkers, and councils navigating these challenges daily. At Agilisys Transform, we’ve co-developed EHCP Plus with the real experts—those living and working with these systems.

Together, we can drive better outcomes. Learn more about EHCP Plus at ehcp.plus.

👉 Keep up with Agilisys Transform on their website or on LinkedIn.

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