More from this theme Recent articles A recruitment agency is reviewing its adverts after coming under fire for offering schools free outsourced applications for education, health and care plans (EHCP) if they then hire its staff to support the pupils. Leaflets from Qualiteach Education Group said schools can “outsource the most time-intensive elements” of the EHCP application process to “experienced specialists, without incurring long-term costs”. Under the deal, schools would pay £450 to its partner, the consultancy Innovate Create Educate, which collects “evidence and documentation” to apply to the council within 30 days. The leaflet added that once EHCP funding is agreed, the school “engages a suitable agency professional through Qualiteach”.  After they complete the 30 days in post, the agency would refund the £450 to the school.  ‘Troubling commodification’ Lacey Cousins, headteacher at Hawley Primary School in Camden, said the offer “appears to target overstretched and vulnerable schools, exploiting systemic failures rather than addressing them”. She added it “reflects a troubling commodification of statutory SEND processes at a time when schools are already overwhelmed …