Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

SEND Support

Monday 28 April 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

  • Mr Paul Kohler raised concerns about the national shortage of SEND specialists impacting local authorities' ability to produce timely education, health and care plans.
  • Helen Maguire highlighted that families in Surrey wait over two years for EHC assessments, often resulting in inadequate funding and schools unable to meet children's needs.
  • The government acknowledged the need for system reform to ensure better outcomes for SEND children and is working with experts and local authorities to address these issues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Paul Kohler Lib Dem Wimbledon
Children & Families
Context

Merton council reported a national shortage of special educational needs and disabilities specialists, particularly therapists and educational psychologists. This impacts the ability to produce education, health and care plans in a timely fashion.

Question

There is a national shortage of SEND specialists such as therapists and educational psychologists which negatively impacts local authorities' ability to produce education, health and care plans timely. In London, there has been almost no growth in educational psychologist numbers despite increased demand. Will the Minister update on addressing this issue and meet me to discuss London's challenges?

Answer from The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)

We are aware that local authorities have been impacted by increasing demand for education, health and care plans along with workforce capacity issues. To improve service delivery and communication between schools and families, we aim to ensure early identification of needs is as effective as possible. I am open to continuing engagement on these important matters.

Partly answered
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Q2 Helen Maguire Lib Dem Epsom and Ewell
Children & Families
Context

In Surrey, families face significant delays in obtaining education, health and care plan assessments, with some waiting over two years. Assessments are often conducted remotely without meeting the child, leading to inaccurate plans.

Question

Families in Surrey wait over two years for EHC assessments from Surrey County Council which are frequently remote and inaccurate, resulting in inadequate funding and schools unable to meet children's needs. What reassurances can be offered that timely and thorough assessments will be prioritised?

Answer from The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)

Unfortunately, the hon. Lady's description reflects a common situation for many children and families. The system needs reform which we are actively working on with experts and engaging local authorities and families to ensure better outcomes for SEND children.

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