We all know that the current SEND system fails too [K many families. Our proposals will deliver a reformed SEND system backed by [K £4 billion of investment so that every child can achieve and thrive. A thre [4D [K three-tier framework will provide targeted and specialist support, strength [8D [K strengthened education, health and care plans, early intervention, access t [1D [K to specialist services and better outcomes for all of our children.

I recognise the serious point that the hon. Gentleman sets out, and we have launched a consultation so that we can hear directly from school leaders, parents and young people about what we need to do to make the system work better. I encourage school leaders in his constituency to review that and to share their views. However, I want to be clear that this is about improving support, providing earlier support and making sure that all children are able to access what they need as quickly as possible. The current system is too adversarial, it is not working and I have heard from too many parents who have been badly let down by the system that he and his party left behind.

My hon. Friend is a true champion for children and [K young people and families right across his community. He raises an importan [8D [K important point. The SEND consultation we have brought forward is a joint d [1D [K document with the Department of Health and Social Care, because we know tha [3D [K that this is about having a system that better responds not only to childre [7D [K children's educational needs when they are in school, but to wider health n [1D [K needs. That is why our Experts at Hand initiative will make sure there is b [1D [K better, targeted specialist support for all children who need it, avoiding [K the lengthy waits, the arduous process and the adversarial system that too [K many parents have to endure at the moment.