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In this article we explore the transformative potential of generative AI in enhancing the quality and consistency of EHCPs
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the integration of technology has become a game-changer, especially in the realm of supporting Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). Generative AI (ML), a subset of artificial intelligence, is proving to be a powerful ally in providing personalised and child centered support for children and young people (C/YP) with special educational needs.
Specific platforms are essential for creating EHCPs quickly without compromising quality. platforms like VITA from Invision360 unlock the potential of generative AI (ML), a subset of artificial intelligence, in the EHCP process.
In this article we explore the transformative potential of generative AI in enhancing the quality and consistency of EHCPs, addressing a national issue.
EHCPs are tailored plans designed to meet the unique needs of C/YP with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These plans outline the specific support, services, and accommodations required to help these students thrive academically and socially. Traditionally, creating high quality EHCPs has been a time-consuming process which has been further impacted by the increase in demand in this sector.
Generative AI has been introduced across the medical, financial, and social sectors—it is now the SEND sector’s turn. Intelligent tools can improve the EHCP process, absorbing the time-consuming tasks that zap SEND case workers’ time.
The national picture of EHCP quality isn’t where it should be. Over 2/3 of the EHCPs reviewed in the Delivering Better Value (DBV) in SEND programme lacked personalisation and did not meet the criteria set out in the SEND Code of Practice.
Using EHCP Quality Assurance tools and Genereative AI platforms, such as VITA, helps increase the personalisation and quality of EHCPs nationally.
The current consistency of EHCPs is a national issue. Ofsted and CQC Inspections have highlighted over 440 areas of significant weakness affecting the local area SEND services (inspected between 2016 and 2022). The inspections showed one of the top three most common areas of weakness was flawed EHCP processes.
Some families may have concerns that using AI technology to generate EHCPs will reduce personalisation. The information will still be inputted by those pivotal to the process (like the child or young person, their family and SEND professionals). The power of technology will then take over, analysing all data inputted and synthesising it into a personalised EHCP. Due to the intelligent algorithms, VITA will recognise the child's or young person's requirements and correlate this to the available provision.
With current caseload demands, SEND teams are working at capacity, and there are concerns over the quality of EHCPs regionally and nationally. The need for rapid improvement via the introduction of Generative AI is apparent.
The excessive work load for SEND professionals working with local authorities is causing many highly skilled and valuable professionals to make the jump to working in private practice. This is particularly apparent within the education psychology (EP) profession where managing an overloaded work schedule is one of many issues facing the EP profession.
The movement towards digital transformationis necessary to make long-term positive changes for SEND service users andtheir families. Technology is here to stay, making the local governmentprocesses more effective and streamlined.
One of the key strengths of generative AI lies in its ability to analyse vast amounts of data and identify patterns that might be difficult for humans to discern. In the contxt of EHCPs, generative AI algorithms process information about a child or young person’s learning style, strengths, challenges, and health and care requirements and creates personalised, child-centred EHCP plans. These plans can also be easily adapted as the child or young person grows and progresses in line with their outcomes.
Strong communication among school staff, parents, and healthcare professionals are essential for an effective EHCP. But getting opinions, advice, and information from all parties and collating them into the EHCP document, all within the 20-week timeframe challenge is no easy fete.
Generative AI applications streamline the process with one centralised platform for all information uploads, progress updates, and recommendations to be added. Keeping the child-centred views and perspectives at the heart of the process, the information shared is reviewed and synthesised into a high-quality EHCP.
Creating good and outstanding EHCP outcomes involves several challenges. One is ensuring the outcomes are SMART targets (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely). Generative AI applications can consistently produce personalised, high-quality EHCPs that include SMART outcomes designed to link to the corresponding provision and mirror the child or young person’s aspirations and areas of need.
Generative AI can take all the information provided, including the views and aspirations of the child or young person and their family and relevant professionals, that are submitted as part of every statutory assessment can be comprehensively reviewed, synthesised and summarised into a high quality EHCP in a matter of seconds. This process can be completed more effectively and efficiently and at the same time vastly improving quality.
While the potential benefits of generative AI in supporting EHCPs are vast, it is important to address potential challenges and ethical considerations. Issues such as data privacy, bias in algorithms, and the need for human oversight must be carefully navigated to ensure that the use of generative AI aligns with the principles of equity, transparency, and accountability.
Generative AI has the potential to revolutionise how we generate EHCPs. This would improve EHCP quality by ensuring consistency and personalisation and helping local authorities achieve their timescales.
By harnessing the power of technology, we can empower educators, parents, healthcare and social care professionals to collaborate effectively and provide the tailored support that every C/YP deserves. As we navigate the evolving landscape of education, it is clear that generative AI is not just a tool; it's a catalyst for positive change in the realm of special education.
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