Headteachers are calling for every school to have two additional Inset days per year to manage the implementation of Labour's landmark special educational needs and disabilities (Send) reforms. The proposal, put forward by the Solihull branch of the NAHT union, which predominantly represents primary school heads, will be debated at the union's annual conference in Belfast today.
Proposal Details
The motion urges the NAHT to campaign for two extra statutory Inset days each academic year. Inset stands for 'In-service Education and Training', and these days are typically used for professional development and team meetings. Currently, schools have five Inset days annually, which would increase to seven under the proposal. This would mean two additional days off for pupils, potentially creating childcare challenges for working parents.
Context of Send Reforms
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson unveiled White Paper plans in February to shift more responsibility for Send to mainstream schools. Under the reforms, all but the most severe Send cases will be managed in mainstream settings, requiring teachers to adapt their teaching methods to accommodate pupils with conditions such as autism and ADHD. The government has pledged £200 million in funding by 2029 to train teachers in Send.
The motion argues that extra training days are necessary to 'embed the changes' effectively. The proposed two new days would be taken from the 195 days teachers are contracted to work annually.
Broader Pressures on Schools
The call comes amid financial pressures on schools, with some adopting four-and-a-half-day weeks to reduce budgets and prevent staff burnout. For instance, Forest Gate Community School in London sends pupils home just after midday on Fridays to alleviate pressure on teachers. Schools are legally required to provide 190 teaching days per year, though academies are exempt from this rule.
The Department for Education has been contacted for comment on the proposal.
