Context
The last Conservative government left behind a SEND system that was failing children and families. Parents had to fight for support, with education, health and care plans denied or delayed and vital services taken away. Tory cuts to early years support combined with rising poverty and extreme deprivation in Blackpool have deepened the crisis facing vulnerable young people.
Question
What steps is the Education Secretary taking to ensure children in disadvantaged communities like mine, where the need for targeted SEND support is high but current provision often falls short, receive the necessary assistance they urgently require?
Answer from The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
My hon. Friend is a powerful champion for his constituents and for Blackpool, and he is right that far too many children are not currently getting the support they need in order to thrive. Early intervention is key—more support at the earliest possible point to identify where children might be struggling, and to make sure that they get the help they need. That is why I was very proud to announce to the House that, building on the proud Labour legacy of Sure Start, we will be rolling out Best Start family hubs to make sure that we have better family support services in every part of our country, including my hon. Friend’s community.
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