Somerset Inclusive Nexus

02/21/2026

Empowering young people to be heard, is essential, an underpinning part of the SEND COP is about being heard.

We were disappointed that the young person’s councillor, who also attended the meeting didn’t speak to this young person’s second meeting, which highlights that we need young people to speak up more. Neither the councillor or MP are represented DSG or SEND challenges.

This young person, used an old IPod to replay voice note, to assist with speaking. iPods were part of school High Need Funds learning support 20 years ago.

Is the current engagement opportunity working? We are pleased gaps have been recognised.

Another great piece written by the county dedicated politics reporter.

Somerset Council is implementing a deficit management plan to control future spending on children with special educational needs and disabilities

02/20/2026

Maternity Consultations:

Your experience of maternity and neonatal services in England
https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/your-experience-of-maternity-and-neonatal-care-in-england

Your experience supporting someone through maternity and neonatal care in England
https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/your-experience-supporting-someone-through-maternity-and-neonatal

02/20/2026

Cost of getting Send pupils to class already ‘one of the biggest pressures on council budgets’

02/19/2026

Today’s SNJ by Matt Kerr

On SNJ Today: Garbage in, Garbage out? Digging behind Department for Education research into creation times, SNJ’s Matt Keer has found “deranged” numbers that can’t be real—but do they serve the purpose the Government wants? https://www.specialneedsjungle.com/sceptics-government-ehcp-prep-research-deranged-numbers-dont-add/

02/19/2026

02/19/2026

Our new research reveals that councils across England are on course to be transporting 100,000 extra SEND pupils by 2030 - a small city's worth.

It finds that local authorities are set to be spending £3.4bn a year on SEND home-to-school transport by 2030, a 70% increase on what we estimate they spent last year.

Bill Revans - Leader of Somerset Council argues that government's Schools White Paper must set out measures that confront the rapidly rising costs of SEND school transport.

Read the research: https://www.countycouncilsnetwork.org.uk/schools-white-paper-cannot-ignore-looming-3-4bn-send-transport-bill-councils-warn/

02/18/2026

After losing more than £4.2 billion since 2010, headteachers across England are banding together to say: stop school cuts.

Will you stand with them, and make sure the Chancellor hears us before the Spring Budget on March 3?

From parents to educators, carers to concerned community members: the more people who co-sign, the louder our call becomes.

02/17/2026

✨ We’re in the paper! ✨

We’re incredibly excited to share that Conquest Centre is featured in The Gazette with a full-page article helping our local community better understand who we are and the wide range of services we offer.

This piece shines a light on our animal- and nature-based, trauma-informed work and the many different ways we support people and families of all ages.

And there’s more to come…
In March, a second article will follow, sharing a deeply moving story of transformation from one of our clients — a powerful example of what can happen when people are met with safety, connection and the right support.

Thank you to The Gazette for helping us tell our story, and to our community for being part of it 💚

02/16/2026

Interesting how some education providers accounts can vary, especially MAT’s and independent specialist schools.

we had a quick look at Dovecote School Ltd, before they were sold in Summer 2025.

We are unable to see the full accounts.
The CEO salary
The amount spent on education
Number of staff and salary rates if over the threshold of reporting as with MAT’s
What value the shareholders received.

All screenshots is taken from information found available from Companies House.
https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13699034/filing-history

02/16/2026

The families blocked from seeing their disabled loved ones after raising concerns about their care https://www.itv.com/news/2026-02-15/my-daughter-had-been-kidnapped-parents-blocked-from-seeing-disabled-children

02/16/2026

02/16/2026