Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Children with SEND: Specialist Support

Monday 14 March 2022 · 4 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial questions addressed issues related to children with special educational needs and disabilities.
  • Dan Carden highlighted the over-subscription of SEND advice services and the impact of COVID-19 on support services.
  • The minister confirmed the publication of the SEND review this month and emphasized the importance of early identification and support.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Dan Carden Lab Liverpool Walton
Education Children & Families
Context

A weekly advice surgery for parents with children having special educational needs is over-subscribed, indicating a high demand. Over the past five years, there has been a 480% increase in demand for SEND statements and EHC plans.

Question

In conjunction with the University of Liverpool law clinic, I run a weekly advice surgery for parents with children having special educational needs which is over-subscribed. There's a real postcode lottery in provision, and we have seen demand for SEND statements and education, health and care plans soar by 480% over the past five years. Can the Minister address the shortage of workforce and resources, and what's the Government's plan?

Answer from Will Quince

We know that covid-19 has impacted particularly heavily on therapy services and other support services for children with SEND. A number have adjusted their delivery models. We issued new guidance in September, but I am working closely with my counterpart at the Department of Health and Social Care to address this issue. The hon. Gentleman should look at the SEND review, because the postcode lottery and inconsistency has to end.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding the shortage in workforce and resources was not addressed with concrete plans or commitments.

How: Looking At This, Under Consideration

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Q2 Dan Carden Lab Liverpool Walton
Children & Families
Context

The Minister confirmed the SEND review will be published this month. There is a need for early identification and support, particularly for dyslexic children.

Question

I warmly welcome confirmation that the SEND review will be published this month. I am also grateful to him for engagement on how we can ensure all children get right screening and assessment so they can gain literacy skills critical for success in life. Can he reiterate that early identification and support will be central to this paper?

Answer from Will Quince

I thank my right hon. Friend for his question and all the work he does in this area. At heart of the SEND review, we have early identification and early support, and I look forward to continuing to work with him on this important agenda.

Answered
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Q3 Matthew Hancock Con
Children & Families
Context

The Government's figures show that nearly half of children with additional needs wait longer than five months for an EHC plan. One in five requests is refused, but 95% of those decisions are overturned by the tribunal.

Question

The Government's own figures show almost 50% of children with additional needs are waiting longer than five months for an education, health and care plan. One in five requests is refused and 95% of those decisions are overturned by the tribunal. Families promised help through the SEND review have waited two years but see no end to fighting at tribunals. What assurance can be given that the review will deliver timely support?

Answer from Will Quince

Next financial year, high-needs funding for children with complex needs is increasing by £1 billion to more than £9.1 billion - 13% increase. Over two years it's a £1.5 billion rise; £2.6 billion in capital goes into SEND review which will address many questions posed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific assurance about timely support for families was not directly addressed with concrete timelines or mechanisms.

How: It'S Just A Matter Of Days

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Q4 Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood
Children & Families
Context

The Minister is asked about the availability of specialist support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Question

What recent assessment has been made on the availability of specialist support for children with special educational needs and disabilities?

Answer from Will Quince

We have conducted a thorough review including looking at specialist support for children. By end of this month we will publish our findings and consult on proposals to strengthen the system.

Answered
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