This research was conducted to develop a better understanding of the SEND Workforce in the South East Region.
The survey was carried out during July 2025, with the report finalised and published in September 2025. The purpose of this survey is to use the feedback collected to inform future improvement work at both a local and regional level.
The SEND Workforce survey was completed by 320 colleagues from across all 19 local authorities in the South East Region. The survey also captures colleagues working in Schools (25%) and in Health (17%).
The report presents a comprehensive analysis of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) workforce in the South East. It includes data on workforce composition, caseload pressures, staff wellbeing, digital infrastructure, AI readiness, and cross-sector partnership working. The data reflects a system under pressure, with high caseloads, inconsistent digital infrastructure, and mixed reports concerning wellbeing. However, there is also optimism and readiness for improvement, including openness to AI, stronger partnership working, and a committed permanent workforce base.
The findings are supported by visual data and are accompanied by practical recommendations for the South East Sector Led Improvement Programme (SESLIP) to address priority issues regionally, and will be presented at the AD and SEND Strategic Leads meeting in London on 19 November.
Project 7: Apprenticeship Programme
This apprenticeship programme, developed in partnership between Surrey County Council and SE19, is designed specifically for staff in Local Authority SEN teams who support the EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) process.
It adapts the Early Intervention Practitioner Level 4 framework into a bespoke course tailored to the needs of these roles, offering a nationally consistent training model that enhances workforce skills, stability, and transferability.
Delivered online by Train Together Ltd, the programme spans 12–15 months (with potential for earlier completion) and includes structured self-study, monthly trainer meetings, and optional collaborative workshops.
Open only to staff currently in EHCP-supporting roles, it is funded through the Apprenticeship Levy and supported by a growing resource bank coordinated by SESLIP. Cohort 1 is underway, Cohort 2 begins in January, and ongoing reviews will ensure the programme remains responsive and impactful.
Updates were presented to the Strategic and Operational Leads in-person meeting which took place on Wednesday 19th November 2025 and they can also be found here.