Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a significant financial gap between current SEND investment plans and future spending needs, as forecasted by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
What financial plan does she have for improving SEND provision? I am concerned about the £2 billion gap between government spending on SEND in 2028-29 and OBR forecasts. This could force children to fit into services that do not meet their needs.
The Government are investing in special educational needs and disabilities, as I have set out. We have set out substantial investment over the next few years. We are currently consulting on special educational needs and disabilities reform. We will set out final plans on that reform after we have carefully looked at all the considerations.
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Assessment & feedback
The £2 billion funding gap was not directly addressed with a specific plan or timeline to rectify it.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Parents rely heavily on SENDIASS services, which are vital but face increasing demand.
Many parents depend on SENDIASS services. Given the expected rise in demand for these free and impartial services, how will the Minister ensure local authorities have adequate financial and practical resources to maintain their independence and quality?
We are continuing to fund SENDIASS, and in our consultation on SEND we included a question on how we can better support parents and on what investment we need to put in to do that, so it is an area that we are looking at.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific financial support for maintaining the independence and quality of SENDIASS services was not provided with concrete details.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Parents rely heavily on SENDIASS services, which are free, impartial, and vital for supporting them in navigating the special educational needs and disabilities system.
Many parents depend on SENDIASS services. Given that demand is expected to rise, how will the Minister ensure local authorities have sufficient financial and practical resources to maintain the independence and quality of these services?
We are continuing to fund SENDIASS, and in our consultation on SEND we included a question on how we can better support parents and on what investment we need to put in to do that, so it is an area that we are looking at.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific financial support for maintaining the independence and quality of SENDIASS services was not provided with concrete details.
Response accuracy