Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Autistic Children: Educational Support

Wednesday 24 November 2021 · 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kerry McCarthy asked the Minister about steps being taken to ensure autistic children receive appropriate educational support under equalities legislation.
  • The Minister noted that education settings are required to make reasonable adjustments for disabled children, including those with autism, under the Equality Act 2010.
  • The Minister expressed commitment to speaking with and working alongside the National Autistic Society and other SEND experts.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Women & Equalities Children & Families
Context

The question arises from concerns about the inadequate educational support provided to autistic children under equalities legislation. Recent reports highlight that a significant number of autistic children face prolonged wait times for necessary assessments and support.

Question

What steps she is taking with the Secretary of State for Education to help ensure that autistic children receive appropriate educational support under equalities legislation, given that a recent report from the National Autistic Society said that a quarter of autistic children can wait more than three years to receive the extra support they need. Does the Minister agree that this is an equalities issue?

Answer from Will Quince

Education settings are required to make reasonable adjustments for disabled children, including those with autism, under the Equality Act 2010. The 'SEND code of practice' sets out detailed guidance on meeting children's needs. Through the new autism strategy, published in July, the Government set out our vision to make life fundamentally better for autistic people by 2026, including in education.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not directly address whether prolonged wait times constitute an equalities issue or outline specific steps being taken with the Secretary of State.

How: General Principles

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Education Children & Families
Context

The supplementary question follows concerns about the lack of funding and support for schools and councils in carrying out special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) assessments. This impacts autistic children who need timely access to necessary provisions.

Question

Does the Minister agree that a quarter of autistic children can wait more than three years to receive the extra support they need, as reported by the National Autistic Society? What conversations will he have in the Department for Education to ensure that schools and councils get the funding they need to carry out SEND assessments and make the right provision?

Answer from Will Quince

As an Education Minister, I am committed to speaking to and working with children, families, parents, carers, and SEND experts, including the National Autistic Society, which I met this week as part of a stakeholder roundtable. I am always happy to listen to sector leaders.

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide any specific information on planned conversations or funding arrangements for SEND assessments.

How: Changed Subject

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