Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Monday 26 April 2021 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The high needs budget for children with special educational needs and disabilities has increased by 1.5 billion in two years.
  • A new special educational needs school is being planned in Blyth Valley on the old Princess Louise First School site.
  • Extra provision and funding have been announced to support the mental health of young people with special educational needs during the recovery period.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rob Butler
Children & Families
Context

The MP is concerned about the support available for children with SEND, seeking to understand specific steps being taken by the government.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to support children with special educational needs and disabilities. I want to know if there are concrete actions and funding increases specifically for these vulnerable groups.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

The best place for vulnerable children and those with special educational needs is at school. That is why we kept schools open throughout the pandemic. The high needs budget has grown by £1.5 billion in two years, and £42 million has been made available for specialist organisations to support children with special educational needs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer mentions school openings but does not specifically address the current steps taken during the pandemic or any new initiatives beyond budget growth mentioned in a general context.

How: Under Review

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Q2 Ian Levy
Children & Families
Context

The MP notes the concern among parents regarding lack of educational provision for children with SEND and the planned opening of a new free school to address this issue.

Question

Parents of children with special educational needs in Blyth Valley were concerned about the lack of educational provision during my campaign. Now, plans are under way for a new special educational needs school on the old Princess Louise First School site. Will my right hon. Friend do all he can to ensure that this facility will be available quickly?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

I join my hon. Friend in recognising the important role of this new free school, led by the Prosper Learning Trust. It will make a real impact on so many children in his constituency, and I look forward to working closely with him and with the new school to ensure that we deliver the very best special educational needs education in his constituency.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer expresses support for the project but does not provide a specific commitment or timeline for ensuring its quick delivery.

How: Under Review

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Q3 Rob Butler
Mental Health Children & Families
Context

The MP highlights the impact of the pandemic on mental health and well-being of children with special educational needs, seeking assurance about specific help and funding.

Question

Young people shared personal experiences highlighting challenges in their mental health due to the pandemic. Could my right hon. Friend reassure the House that help and funding will be made available specifically for supporting the mental health of young people with SEND during recovery?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight some of the challenges that young people suffer, especially in the area of mental health. That is why, just a short while ago, we announced extra provision and extra money and resources to support children in schools and make sure they have the very best mental health.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges the issue but does not provide specific details or commitments regarding dedicated funding or actions for mental health support post-pandemic.

How: Under Review

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