SEND Provision 2025-01-27
2025-01-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Dorset Studio school in West Dorset has a high percentage of students with special educational needs, and there is an ongoing funding agreement to upgrade the school's facilities which has not seen progress since May 2024.
Some 52% of students at Dorset Studio school have special educational needs, and 11% are in receipt of education, health and care plans. A funding agreement between the Treasury and the Department for Education to upgrade the school’s facilities has seen no progress since May 2024. Will the Minister outline what steps the Department will take to get this ball rolling? If she does not know, will she meet me so that we can get things started as soon as possible?
Improving capital provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities is a priority. We have allocated £740 million of additional investment to create those additional places in mainstream and special schools. I am more than happy to look at the case raised by the hon. Gentleman, indeed it might be for the Under-Secretary of State for Education, my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth South (Stephen Morgan), to look at.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a specific plan or timeline for progressing with Dorset Studio school's funding agreement but offered to review the case and possibly involve the Under-Secretary of State.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Oxfordshire's high needs funding deficit is expected to rise significantly by the end of 2025, raising concerns about the sustainability of the system. The questioner advocates for a shift towards inclusive education and early intervention.
In Oxfordshire, the high needs of our accumulated deficit is expected to rise to £77.1 million by the end of 2025, and across England it is expected to rise to nearly £6 billion in the same period. Does the Minister agree that a shift towards inclusive education, early intervention and enhanced support in mainstream schools is essential for creating a sustainable system, and will she commit to delivering this?
We agree wholeheartedly that we need a more inclusive mainstream system with an education, health and care plan process. We have allocated capital funding for this purpose and are looking at reforms on multiple levels to ensure children can be educated in their local community.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific commitments or timelines but acknowledged the need for an inclusive system and ongoing reforms.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Public Accounts Committee report highlighted issues in the SEN system, and there is a need to reduce the number of families not receiving timely assessments.
A recent Public Accounts Committee report bears out that my hon. Friend has inherited an appalling situation from the last Government. Can she give more information on how she will reduce the number of families not getting timely assessments? How will she address the doubling of demand for assessments?
We are working incredibly hard to reform our system with a curriculum and assessment review, by allocating capital investment, and by collaborating with local authorities. This will help reduce the challenges for families and improve outcomes for children.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific measures or timelines but acknowledged ongoing work to reform the system and address delays in assessments.
Response accuracy