Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Covid-19

Monday 7 September 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial guidance for special schools is continuously updated to address specific needs of physically disabled students.
  • The government allocated 1 billion in catch-up funding, with three times more going to special schools than to mainstream schools.
  • Permanent exclusions should be a last resort and must be lawful, reasonable, and fair, as stated in the minister's open letter to SEND families.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rob Butler Con Henley
Education Children & Families
Context

The pandemic has presented unique challenges for children with SEND, necessitating tailored support as schools reopen.

Question

What steps will be taken to ensure that special schools, particularly those catering to physically disabled students like the Pace Centre in Henley, receive advice and support specific to their pupils' physical needs and circumstances?

Answer from Vicky Ford (Minister for Special Educational Needs)

We have worked with the sector to provide detailed guidance which is continuously updated, allowing for specialist therapists and clinicians to attend school sites. Additionally, £1 billion of catch-up funding will see three times more allocated to special schools than mainstream schools.

Answered
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Q2 Tulip Siddiq Lab Hollingbourne
Children & Families
Context

The Children's Commissioner for England has expressed concern over the risk of excluding SEND children who struggle readjusting from schools.

Question

Will the Government ensure that permanent exclusions will not be used as a zero-tolerance measure towards challenging behaviour, and commit to reporting on the number of excluded students with SEND?

Answer from Vicky Ford (Minister for Special Educational Needs)

Permanent exclusion should only be used as a last resort, must be lawful, reasonable and fair. We have asked all schools to be understanding of children's needs upon return. This was covered in my open letter to SEND families last week. Off-rolling is never acceptable and will be monitored by Ofsted.

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