Defence Children Services (DCS) has advised that staff shortages may result in delayed responses to requests for help from the Education Advisory Team UK (EAT UK).
In a letter to colleagues, Head of DCS, Beverley Martin explained the organisation is experiencing significant gaps in key workforce areas due to continuing challenges with Civil Service recruitment restrictions.
She said: “It is prudent to note the impact this may have on DCS’ capacity to deliver provision to Service families.”
At the moment requests for support from Service personnel or families can take up to four weeks for a response from an Education Advisor, although the service does triage safeguarding and time sensitive cases.
Issuing of Individual Serial Numbers (ISN) for Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) can take up to six weeks in peak times.
And Special Educational Needs Addition (SENA) to CEA claims are taking up to nine weeks from initial processing.
EAT UK says families should not agree to additionally costed SEND provision before the outcome of their SENA application if they will be relying on the funding to pay school charges, because SENA funding cannot be backdated.
Families should also make sure all essential documents are properly completed and submitted promptly for consideration before the date they need a response.
POSTED ON 15 AUGUST 2024