Avril’s Lens: Understanding the heart of SEND work

By Avril Kargbo, EHCP Expert

Question: What attracted you to working for Agilisys as a SEND Subject Matter Expert? 

I have always been passionate about helping children and young people, especially those with SEND, reach their full potential. My journey into SEND was driven by my desire to apply my background in Clinical Psychology in public sectors. I dedicated over 5 years in the world of SEND working in various capacities. This included carrying out the needs assessment and review processes, managing complex caseloads, and overseeing mediations and tribunals. I worked across multiple local authorities which gave me a deep understanding of how SEND demands vary based on demographics and need. During this time, I discovered that I had limited time engaging with families. 

This disconnect between the impact I wanted to have and the time I had to make it made me wish for a tool to help alleviate the administrative burden, particularly when it came to plan writing. When I discovered that Agilisys had developed an AI-driven tool to support this process, I was overjoyed. It is exciting to see that caseworkers are finally being supported with technology that acknowledges and helps meet the demands of SEND, making their roles more manageable and allowing for a more person-centred approach to support. 

Question: How do you feel about the potential for AI in SEND? 

I truly believe in the potential of AI to transform SEND. When used properly, I think it can empower caseworkers to focus more on the human aspects of their role, such as building relationships with families and managing their anxieties. In many cases, parents of children with additional needs also face undiagnosed challenges of their own, and they really appreciate the support and contact from caseworkers. By reducing the administrative workload, AI allows caseworkers to spend more time where it matters most, on supporting children, families and schools directly. 

Question: What are you most looking forward to in the role? 

I am looking forward to seeing how this tool will continue to evolve and become an integral part of SEND casework. What excites me most is the potential to shift the focus from administrative task to increased engagement with families and schools. Giving professionals more time to better understand the needs of the children on their caseload, working closely with schools, and multi-agencies to ensure plans are implemented effectively. This then contributes to better outcomes for learners with SEND. 

Question: What is your advice to SEND teams wanting to use AI in the future 

AI can understandably raise a few eyebrows. Is it here to replace me? Can it be trusted with sensitive information? Here is the reality, AI is not here to take your role, it is here to help you do it better. It can also be designed to be confidential and secure, like the Agilisys EHCP tool. Those of us that have experience of working in SEND, understand the drive and commitment to ensuring children and families have the support they need. So, with the rising demands on time and resources, it is okay to look for a bit of help. That is where AI steps in, not as a replacement, but as your digital sidekick. Like your own reliable ‘Robin’. 

Take the Agilisys EHCP tool, for example. It is designed to take on the heavy lifting of drafting plans, so you do not have to start from scratch every time. That opens the opportunity to spend less time on drafting and more time engaging with valuable stakeholders. Talking through plans, answering questions, making thoughtful amendments, and building trust with families and schools. 

My advice? Do not dismiss AI before exploring what it can really offer. Consider how it can help. Treat it not as a threat, but as a powerful ally in managing your caseload. 

Quote: 

“I am incredibly excited to work with SEND teams alongside Agilisys to shape the future of SEND support, empowering caseworkers with more capacity and flexibility to focus on children and families.” 

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