Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

School Exclusion: Pupils with SEND

Monday 10 March 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Too many children with special educational needs and disabilities in South Cambridgeshire are out of school due to long waiting times for specialist provision.
  • Permanent exclusion from primary school should be an almost non-existent occurrence, according to the question asked.
  • The Government aims to provide the right support for all children with special educational needs and disabilities to succeed.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Pippa Heylings Lib Dem South Cambridgeshire
Children & Families
Context

The MP highlighted a constituent named Harry who had received only two hours of forest school education per week over 15 months due to the lack of specialist or alternative provisions.

Question

Too many children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in South Cambridgeshire are out of school, due not only to exclusion but to the long waiting times for specialist or alternative provision when mainstream schools cannot meet their needs. What urgent action is the Minister taking to increase specialist and alternative provision so that children like Harry can get the full and adequate education they need and deserve?

Answer from Stephen Morgan

I thank the hon. Member for sharing Harry’s story—I know she is a champion for such issues in her constituency. The Government’s ambition is for all children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to receive the right support to succeed. There is £740 million for the high needs capital block next year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific urgent actions or timelines regarding increasing specialist and alternative provision.

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Q2 Sarah Smith Lab Hyndburn
Children & Families
Context

The MP emphasized the need for early identification of special educational needs and quick delivery of intervention to avoid permanent exclusion.

Question

Permanent exclusion from primary school should be an almost non-existent occurrence. Any primary-age pupils exhibiting difficult behaviours should undertake diagnosis for SEND, and best efforts should be made to understand any trauma that the child may have suffered. What is the Minister doing to ensure that we build a system that prioritises the early identification of needs and quick delivery of intervention so that children do not fall behind?

Answer from Stephen Morgan

We are aware that some groups of children have a higher risk of exclusion, which is why we are breaking down barriers to opportunity to ensure every child can achieve and thrive. We are committed to ensuring earlier intervention in mainstream schools for pupils, particularly those at risk of exclusion.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific actions or timelines for early identification and intervention systems.

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