Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Specialist Teachers: Disabled Children

Monday 27 January 2025 · 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions focused on Specialist Teachers for Disabled Children on 2025-01-27
  • Marsha De Cordova highlighted a 2023 study showing 56% of mainstream school teachers felt confident in supporting children with SEND
  • Lincoln Jopp praised staff at Manor Mead special school for their care and dedication to pupils with severe learning disabilities and autism

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marsha De Cordova Lab Battersea
Education Children & Families
Context

A June 2023 research found that only 56% of mainstream school teachers feel confident in supporting pupils with special educational needs or disabilities. This situation affects many children, including those in Battersea constituency.

Question

Research in June 2023 found that only 56% of teachers in mainstream schools felt confident about supporting children with a special educational need or disability. Today, that means many children, including in my constituency, are still missing out on learning and leaving school without the skills they need. Does the Minister agree that we need more specialist teachers, including those for multisensory purposes and for children with visual impairments, to ensure every child has the opportunity to fulfil their potential?

Answer from The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)

All teachers are teachers of special educational needs and disabilities. High quality teaching is central to ensuring that pupils with SEND are given the best possible opportunities to achieve in their education. To support all teachers, we are implementing high quality teacher training reforms, which begin with initial teacher training and continue through early career training to middle and senior leadership. These changes and reforms will ensure that teachers have the skills to support all pupils to succeed, including those with SEND.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address the specific ask for more specialist teachers in mainstream schools.

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Q2 Lincoln Jopp Con Spelthorne
Education Children & Families
Context

The MP visited Manor Mead special school, where he was impressed by the care provided to pupils with severe learning disabilities and autism.

Question

On Friday, I had the opportunity to visit Manor Mead special school, where 60 members of staff look after the 92 pupils, many of whom have the most severe learning disabilities and autism. I was absolutely blown away by the care of the staff, and I was particularly grateful to be shown around by the adorable Luchia, one of the pupils. Will the Minister join me in thanking all our special school teachers for the amazing commitment they show, and on Manor Mead’s behalf, may I invite her to visit and see that work at first hand?

Answer from The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that question and for celebrating teachers, particularly in our special schools but also throughout our school system, who work tirelessly day in, day out to support pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, to succeed. I will certainly take away his very kind invitation.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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