Children with SEND Access to Specialist Support 2022-01-31
2022-01-31
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
A National Autistic Society survey found that a quarter of parents waited more than three years for support, affecting 160,000 autistic pupils in England. The pandemic has worsened these issues.
What recent assessment has been made on the adequacy of specialist support for children with special educational needs and disabilities? Can the Minister confirm that the upcoming SEND review will address the crisis faced by disabled children?
We are conducting a review of the special educational needs and disability system. We intend to publish proposals for improvements through a Green Paper in the first three months of this year. The £4.9 billion education recovery plan prioritises children and young people with SEND, increasing high-needs funding to £9.1 billion next financial year. £42 million has been allocated this year for projects supporting SEND, including £600,000 to the Autism Education Trust.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not confirm that the upcoming review will include robust proposals to address the crisis faced by disabled children.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner has been visiting primary and secondary schools to discuss mental health issues.
What steps have been taken to improve mental health access facilities, including training for counsellors in all schools?
Backed by £9.5 million, about a third of schools and colleges are offered grants this year for training senior mental health leads. The £15 million wellbeing for education recovery programme is in addition to the £79 million boost for children and young people's mental health support teams.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not specify if all schools will have trained counsellors or how many schools will receive grants.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A local ADHD support group reported delays in diagnoses and EHCPs, affecting children's learning experiences.
What steps are being taken to support pupils with ADHD and suspected ADHD so that they can learn effectively?
The SEND review aims to ensure pupils get appropriate support at the right time. The Minister is willing to meet the hon. Lady to discuss further.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific steps were provided regarding ADHD support, and the answer deflected by offering a meeting instead of details.
Offers To Meet
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Four out of five dyslexic children leave school without identification, impacting their educational experience.
What steps will be taken to ensure universal screening for dyslexia and appropriate teacher training in the upcoming schools White Paper?
The SEND review and the schools White Paper will go hand in glove. The Minister is willing to meet my right hon. Friend to discuss further.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific steps were provided regarding dyslexia screening or teacher training, and the answer deflected by offering a meeting instead of details.
Offers To Meet
Response accuracy