Strategies for protecting provision to children and young people with sensory impairments Rory Cobb, Principal Officer: Inclusive Education, RNIB Ian Noon, Head of Policy and Research, NDCS

Context: Average cut of 27% across local authorities between 2011/12 and 2014/15 LGA expecting further cuts of 10% in next spending round

But... Dedicated Schools Grant protected at flat real per pupil Specialist SEN support services explicitly mentioned as something to be funded within DSG “Protecting funding to vulnerable learners...”

Evidence of cuts to SI services: In 2013/14, 35% of councils cutting budget / services for deaf children (NDCS Stolen Futures FOI requests) 2% decline in numbers of Teachers of the Deaf (CRIDE) In 2010-12 34 QTVI posts and 46 non-teaching posts lost in VI services due to cuts VI service support under threat or withdrawn for some groups of children in 20% LAs (RNIB survey 2012)

RNIB and NDCS advice to local authorities on protecting services Key considerations: Equality Act 2010 Planning and developing special educational provision – statutory guidance SEN reform

Specialist provision Key considerations: Statements Ofsted Local authority duties to all children with SEN

Working together Information Supporting parents NDCS Regional Directors and RNIB children's / campaigns team HoSS NatSIP Any questions?