Breaking the Mould: How We’re Helping SEND Learners Thrive

The recent publication from the House of Lords Library on special education highlights an urgent issue: the growing demand for support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). As of the 2023/24 academic year, over 1.6 million pupils in England were identified with SEND, with a notable rise of 101,000 compared to the previous year. Of these, 434,354 had an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), many requiring specialist support that mainstream schools struggle to provide.

The report points to capacity challenges within the sector, as two-thirds of special schools are at or over capacity, while mainstream schools often lack the necessary resources, resulting in over-reliance on special placements. Baroness Monckton highlighted this, stressing that while the government has promised increased inclusivity and improved teacher training, the sector requires immediate and significant investment to meet the current demand.

This landscape of increasing pressure presents numerous challenges for schools trying to deliver inclusive education. As Baroness Monckton remarked, “the money available is not sufficient to provide the services that children are entitled to.”

At Purple Ruler, we recognise these challenges and actively work to bridge the gaps within SEND provision. Currently, we support over 130 SEND learners across 50 schools, local authorities, and government tutoring programmes. Our online services are designed to meet the unique needs of these students, providing personalised support that mainstream settings may be challenged to provide.

Through our innovative online platforms, we ensure that SEND learners receive high-quality education tailored to their needs. We focus on creating an inclusive, flexible environment that accommodates a range of learning styles, helping learners with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHA or Speech, Language, and Communication Needs to thrive academically and socially.

Our Individual Education Plans are crucial in this process. They provide personalised learning goals, continually assessed and updated to reflect student progress. This adaptive approach ensures that our learners receive the specific support they need, whether it be through differentiated instruction or engaging, interactive content.

Moreover, our commitment to fostering social and emotional development is aligned with the SEND Code of Practice, ensuring that learners with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs are supported holistically. By integrating Social-Emotional Learning into our curriculum, we enable students to manage their emotions and build resilience—critical for their overall development.

One parent from St Osmund's C Of E Middle School shared their experience from observing their child participate in our lessons: "We are absolutely loving these lessons. Both teachers are amazing and we haven't seen Sophie want to engage in lessons like this, since she was 10 years old. She was never interested in science at all, but now we watch her taking notes, smiling, talking and really engaging with the teacher and the lesson." (Name has been changed)

The current challenges in the SEND sector are not solely about funding but also about a systemic need for innovation and inclusivity in education. At Purple Ruler, we’re committed to helping schools and educational institutions rise to this challenge. We provide flexible, scalable solutions that empower educators and support learners in reaching their full potential.

As the House of Lords Library report suggests, the path forward will require substantial investment and a rethinking of how SEND support is structured across the system. At Purple Ruler, we’re proud to be part of this ongoing evolution, offering services that go beyond the classroom to ensure that every learner receives the support they need—regardless of where they are.

Ready to see how Purple Ruler can make a difference? We’re offering a free one-week trial, including up to 18 hours of online instruction tailored to your child’s needs. Contact us today!