Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Education, Health and Care Plans

Tuesday 6 October 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Chris Loder inquired about discussions on linking education, health and care plans with the healthcare system.
  • The Secretary of State noted that local authorities and health bodies are required to jointly commission services for those with education, health and care plans.
  • Chris Loder highlighted unacceptable waiting times up to two years for EHCPs in his constituency, citing loss of hope among parents and children.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Loder
Education
Context

The issue of linking EHCPs with the healthcare system is under review by the Government.

Question

What discussions has the Secretary of State for Education had on ensuring that education, health and care plans are linked effectively with the healthcare system?

Answer from Helen Whately

Education, health and care plans identify support needs of children and young people across those three areas. Local authorities and health bodies are required to jointly commission services. The Government is undertaking a review of the special educational needs and disability system, with work ongoing between the Department for Education and her ministerial counterpart.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about discussions held on linking EHCPs effectively with healthcare systems were not provided.

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Q2 Chris Loder
NHS Children & Families
Context

There are unacceptable waiting times of up to two years in West Dorset for EHCP assessments, causing distress to children and parents.

Question

Thanking the Secretary of State and Ministers for their focus on Dorset County Hospital's recent investment announcements, but highlighting unacceptable waiting times of up to two years for EHCPs in his constituency. Parents and children are losing hope due to these delays. Seeking help from the Minister to support these desperate families.

Answer from Helen Whately

NHS England has directed NHS organisations to restart and restore services that support children and young people with EHC plans. The review of the SEND system is looking at addressing problems in the system and achieving better integration across health, care, and education.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific action or timeline for addressing unacceptable waiting times was not provided.

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