Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities 2021-04-26
2021-04-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the support available for children with SEND, seeking to understand specific steps being taken by the government.
What steps his Department is taking to support children with special educational needs and disabilities. I want to know if there are concrete actions and funding increases specifically for these vulnerable groups.
The best place for vulnerable children and those with special educational needs is at school. That is why we kept schools open throughout the pandemic. The high needs budget has grown by £1.5 billion in two years, and £42 million has been made available for specialist organisations to support children with special educational needs.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer mentions school openings but does not specifically address the current steps taken during the pandemic or any new initiatives beyond budget growth mentioned in a general context.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes the concern among parents regarding lack of educational provision for children with SEND and the planned opening of a new free school to address this issue.
Parents of children with special educational needs in Blyth Valley were concerned about the lack of educational provision during my campaign. Now, plans are under way for a new special educational needs school on the old Princess Louise First School site. Will my right hon. Friend do all he can to ensure that this facility will be available quickly?
I join my hon. Friend in recognising the important role of this new free school, led by the Prosper Learning Trust. It will make a real impact on so many children in his constituency, and I look forward to working closely with him and with the new school to ensure that we deliver the very best special educational needs education in his constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer expresses support for the project but does not provide a specific commitment or timeline for ensuring its quick delivery.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the impact of the pandemic on mental health and well-being of children with special educational needs, seeking assurance about specific help and funding.
Young people shared personal experiences highlighting challenges in their mental health due to the pandemic. Could my right hon. Friend reassure the House that help and funding will be made available specifically for supporting the mental health of young people with SEND during recovery?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight some of the challenges that young people suffer, especially in the area of mental health. That is why, just a short while ago, we announced extra provision and extra money and resources to support children in schools and make sure they have the very best mental health.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer acknowledges the issue but does not provide specific details or commitments regarding dedicated funding or actions for mental health support post-pandemic.
Under Review
Response accuracy