HEADTEACHERS tasked with improving the quality of education for children with special educational needs have had their secondments extended as the government prepares to publish an ‘Immediate Priorities Plan’ in response to the findings of highly critical review.
Reacting to the ‘Island SEND Review’ – which was published in October, prompting some parents to say they felt ‘vindicated’ after years of raising concerns – the Children, Young People, Education and Skills Department has also said that a more detailed strategy will be published next spring.
The independent review into the quality of provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) found that the leadership, organisation, strategies, oversight and accountability arrangements “were not sufficiently effective”.
Some senior figures have left the education service and others have stepped up to develop CYPES’s response.
It has now been announced that secondments for headteachers Phil Walker and Liz Searle have been extended until July 2027.
Mrs Searle will act as headteacher of both La Passerelle and Mont à l’Abbé, while Mr Walker will lead inclusion services within the central education team.
Plat Douet head Mr Walker will remain closely involved in the ‘strategic development’ of the school. Debbie Maindonald will become Acting Headteacher while Lauren Achler and Natasha Walker will be Acting Deputy Headteachers.
CYPES interim chief officer Keith Posner has also announced that two other headteachers seconded into CYPES, Haute Vallée’s Stuart Hughes and La Moye’s John Baudains, will return to their substantive roles for part of the week while continuing to work with the central team to co-author a ‘Strategic Outcomes Document’ and develop plans to manage demographic changes impacting schools.
Education Minister Rob Ward, said: “I would like to thank the four headteachers for continuing their important roles, in both the department and in their schools, and all the staff who have been supporting this work.
“These secondments are crucial to enable the department and schools to work collaboratively, leading to improvements across our system and the development of robust plans to meet future challenges.”
The government said that the imminent ‘Immediate Priorities Plan’ would be followed by a more detailed three-year strategy next spring and then, in due course, a seven-year “vision for systemic change”
It added that progress would be monitored by a newly established ‘Inclusion Executive Board’, with published minutes and reports to ensure transparency.
Mr Walker said: “We are committed to building a truly inclusive education system where every child feels valued, respected, and supported. This plan is the first step in a long-term strategy to deliver the recommendations of the Island SEND Review and ensure no child is left behind.”
News Focus: Pages 8,9 and 10.
