Research into developing smarter data tools to help identify children with SEN sooner could help ensure earlier intervention and support for pupils.
Science Minister Lord Vallance today announces the SEN Identification and Support Research and Innovation Challenge.
This is the fourth to be announced under the £500 million Research and Development (R&D) Missions Accelerator Programme (R&D MAP).
Coordinated by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the programme marks the first time government has set clear, measurable, and ambitious targets for R&D to deliver its core priorities.
Further challenges are due to be unveiled later in November.
Quicker interventions
Over 1.7 million pupils in England are currently identified as having SEN, yet many families face long waits before needs are identified and inconsistent support.
The research is backed by government and delivered by UKRI, in partnership with the Department for Education.
It will explore how support and earlier identification of needs, meaning evidence-informed interventions can be put in place more quickly.
This will give parents confidence and equip teachers with practical tools to identify and meet needs, so that more children remain engaged, achieve academically and feel included in their school communities.
Data driven approach
The research, which aims to roll out successful pilot approaches to schools by 2028, will explore how data can be used to identify children that might need extra support sooner.
This would enable timely support and interventions and could allow teachers to work with families to track how children are progressing within their learning, their engagement in class and their overall wellbeing.
Develop and test
Through this research, we will aim to develop and test trusted and effective approaches to help the early identification of children needing tailored education support.
For example refining approaches that pinpoint a child’s strengths and weaknesses.
This helps school leaders and staff work with families to provide tailored support and understand how every child and young person can achieve and thrive within the education system.
This will support the government’s mission to provide more opportunities for children to do well in education and in their lives beyond.
Making a major difference
Science Minister Lord Vallance said:
Every child deserves the chance to succeed at school – and research and innovation can help ensure that is a reality for those who might need a little extra support.
By combining our world-class science base with the expertise of teachers and charities, we can find smarter, faster ways to identify barriers to children’s learning and provide the right support earlier.
This challenge could make a major difference in setting the next generation up for a bright future, while giving teachers and parents the confidence and tools they need to help their children thrive.
Delivery will be led by UKRI in partnership with the Department for Education, with an initial £4 million allocated to fund projects to develop and test approaches for early identification.
Determined to make change
Schools Minister Georgia Gould said:
Early intervention is at the heart of our mission to fix the SEND system through the Schools White Paper.
For too long, many children have only received support once needs have escalated. We’re determined to change that.
This research will help us identify children’s needs sooner and put the right support in place faster – meaning better outcomes for children, more confidence for parents and practical tools for teachers.
Combined with our £740 million investment in specialist places and programmes for early language support, we’re building a system where children get help when they need it – not after years of waiting.
Tackling day to day challenges
This research is part of the government’s wider work to transform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system for families across England and its commitment to effective early identification and intervention.
This is critical in improving the outcomes of children and young people who face barriers to their learning.
Stian Westlake, Executive Chair of the Economic and Social Research Council, said
The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Identification and Support R&I Challenge will equip researchers and innovators create the best possible opportunities for children to succeed.
It’s a great example of how research and innovation can help tackle important challenges people face in their day-to-day lives.
Supporting early intervention
This new research initiative aims to explore how earlier identification and data-driven approaches could support earlier intervention while ensuring data is subject to rigorous data protection, safeguarding protocols, and ethical approvals.
More details of the government’s intended approach to SEND reform will be set out in a Schools White Paper early in the new year.
