Somerset Uses AI to Expedite Special Needs Reports

Published Date : 23/05/2025 

Somerset Council is testing artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce waiting times for special educational needs reports, aiming to improve efficiency and quality of support for vulnerable children. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being trialled by a council in a bid to cut lengthy waiting times for children's special educational needs reports. Somerset Council is looking to follow other authorities in England in using AI to help support and speed up daily admin tasks.

Councillor Heather Shearer, the Liberal Democrat lead for children, families, and education, said it would only be used for basic reports and is in the 'very early stages'. Somerset Parent Carers Forum has expressed some initial concerns about how sensitive data would be shared but is willing to see the effectiveness of the trial.

The AI tool will help support writing the first draft of education, health, and care plans, known as EHCPs, for vulnerable children. Shearer said: 'We will be using this with consideration and care. We need to ensure our work is always of excellent quality and done in a timely manner, so we can spend more time helping parents and children. Staff make decisions and people make decisions, but if AI can help do the background tasks for these reports, it could be beneficial.'

Ruth Hobbs, chief executive of Somerset Parent Carer Forum, said: 'Lots of local areas are doing this with AI to help draft EHCP reports for children. There are benefits but also concerns with dealing with data for vulnerable children. A lot of a case worker's time is spent writing reports, so if it means more time face-to-face with children and parents, that has to be a good thing.'

Somerset Council emphasized its commitment to hearing feedback from those involved in the trial, ensuring that the AI tool is used responsibly and effectively to support the needs of the community. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main goal of using AI in special educational needs reports?

A: The main goal is to reduce waiting times and improve the efficiency of writing education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) for vulnerable children.

Q: How will AI be used in the process?

A: AI will help in writing the first draft of EHCPs, allowing staff to focus more on face-to-face interactions with children and parents.

Q: What are the concerns about using AI for these reports?

A: Concerns include the handling of sensitive data and ensuring the quality and accuracy of the reports, especially for vulnerable children.

Q: Who is leading the initiative at Somerset Council?

A: Councillor Heather Shearer, the Liberal Democrat lead for children, families, and education, is leading the initiative.

Q: What is the Somerset Parent Carer Forum's stance on this trial?

A: The forum has some initial concerns about data privacy but is willing to see the effectiveness of the trial and provide feedback. 

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